BARANGAY Ginebra guard LA Tenorio has asked for patience from the team's fans, saying the Kings have yet to master the triangle offense under rookie coach Jeff Cariaso.
“Pasensya lang sa mga nag-aantay,” Tenorio said after the Kings flunked their first acid test in the PBA Governors’ Cup, surrendering a 90-102 decision at the hands of defending champion San Mig Super Coffee on Sunday night.
The Kings were given a dose of their new medicine as the Mixers, who have been running the triangle since Tim Cone came onboard in 2011, supplanted them on the top of the standings.
“Baby Triangle versus the Lolo Triangle nga e,” Tenorio said. “Parang ganun yung nangyari.”
“We’re still in the learning process,” added the star playmaker, who is no stranger to the triangle, having run the proven system for almost four years under Cone at Alaska.
So he knows what he’s talking about.
“Alam na alam ko ‘to at alam ko na hindi ganun kadali,” Tenorio said. “It takes a lot of time and hard work. Kailangan talaga ng focus, dedication, ng disiplina.”
“I’m pretty sure kahit yung San Mig they’re still learning the triangle,” he added. “Magkakilala na lang talaga sila at sanay na sila sa big-time games.”
“I’m very sure na mararating rin namin yun.”
While he knew that the Mixers could just use their knowledge about the intricate offense to their advantage against the triangle newbies, Tenorio said it was defense that worked in San Mig's favor.
“Na-surprise kami na nag-pressure sila ng todo,” Tenorio said after the game that saw the Mixers use a full-court defense in the fourth quarter to turn what had been a close fight into a blowout.
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