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There’s no question for Tim Cone that LA Tenorio deserves to be in the discussion for the PBA’s top five point guards of all time.
This is what the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel coach offered when Noli Eala asked him about it on Saturday’s episode of his Power and Play program.
“I have no doubt that it has reached that level,“Said Cone, who invited the program along with Tenorio.
The 36-year-old recently led the Gin Kings to their first Philippine Cup championship in 13 years. It was his first title in the league’s most prestigious conference, racking his ring count to six in the process.
To make it even sweeter, he was awarded the Finals Most Valuable Player award thanks to his crucial form of play. He averaged 13.6 points, 6.2 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals in the series against TNT.
It was actually the league’s 14-year veteran’s fourth Finals MVP award, tying Danny Seigle and two-time league MVP James Yap. And Cone was amazed to learn what Tenorio had just accomplished.
“It is an amazing record. To be able to step up and win four Finals MVPs? Wow. I didn’t know until now “ said the 62-year-old banking strategist.
“If there was any doubt, it takes a moment to speak.”
It was truly a great way for Tenorio to cap off what had been a challenging year for him. You might recall that he had a laparoscopic appendectomy just a couple of weeks before the season resumed.
But he made sure not to miss his debut or any matches since, keeping his Ironman streak alive. Game 5 of the best-of-seven finals was actually their 663rd consecutive game.
However, at the end of the day Cone said that he is lucky enough to coach some of the best floor generals in the league, from 1996 MVP Johnny Abarrientos in Alaska to now with Tenorio, whom he had also previously trained in. the Aces.
“I have been lucky enough to train some really good point guards. Before, Johnny Abarrientos and now LA. I have been truly blessed “ express.
Those guards were definitely key to his success in the league. He won his first Grand Slam in 1996 with Abarrientos y los Lecheros, and then won his 23rd title with Tenorio and Barangay.
“It’s a lot of fun because, throughout my career, I wanted to be a Triangle kid. I wanted to be like the Chicago Bulls, and I’m always looking for that Scottie Pippen, you know, that tall point guard who can handle the ball.
“And I end up having my biggest hit with two of the youngest guys in the PBA,” Cone said with a smile.
