THE presence of acknowledged leader LA Tenorio on the Barangay Ginebra bench was more than a boost and inspiration for the entire team on Friday.
Players and coaches all expressed surprise upon seeing Tenorio during the Kings' PBA On Tour game against Terrafirma Dyip at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
See Aljon Mariano fuels late rally as Ginebra overcomes Terrafirma
Tenorio attended the game unannounced.
"Nagulat kami andiyan si LA, e he just came back from Singapore for another (chemotherapy) session," said deputy Richard Del Rosario.
"But definitely that's a big boost to us."
"Siguro nung nakita nila (Kings) si LA, talagang ginanahan na rin sila kasi ngayon lang ulit namin nakita si LA," added Del Rosario. "And we're happy na naibigay naming regalo ito para kay LA sa pag-recover niya at least nabigyan namin siya ng kaunting kasiyahan."
Aljon Mariano, who led the Kings' to the thrilling 114-106 come-from-behind win, also expressed surprise upon seeing Ginebra's team captain during the second half.
"Nung nakita ko siya (Tenorio), lalo akong na-inspired. Siyempre siya talaga yung pinaka-leader namin and siya yung nagga-guide sa amin," said Mariano, who finished with a game-high 25 points.
"Siyempre yung prisensiya niya lang, kahit wala siyang sabihin alam na namin kung ano yung meaning nun sa team," added the veteran guard, admitting he's very close to Tenorio.
Mariano said Tenorio has always been telling them in the past that he'll be showing up in the game and watch the team.
"Pero hindi natutuloy, e," he said.
"E, ngayon hindi siya nagsabi na manonood siya, tapos bigla na lang siya lumitaw. Kaya ayun nakakatuwa and nakaka-inspire."
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