Tenorio reveals battle with colon cancer

Lewis Alfred “LA” Tenorio revealed on Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer.

The Ginebra point guard admitted that his battle with cancer is the real reason why he had to sit out the rest of the PBA Gover- his real health situation a secret.

As heavy favorites, San Miguel Beer and Brgy. Ginebra expectedly trounced their quarterfinal rivals - Converge and NLEX respectively Sunday and will collide against each other in the semis on Friday.

Pity that Converge did not make it despite bringing in - as a last ditch effort - Tom Vogdanovich - as replacement import from the New Zealand Tall Blacks.

If you are a beer drinker, I’m pretty sure you’d pick the Beermen; conversely, if you are a Ginebra fanatic, you must be a gin drinker. LOL!

Regardless of your choice, all basketball fans will be treated to another “Great Battle” - and get

“I would like to issue a statement about my health status by firstly apologizing to my teammates, some coaches, the PBA, the fans, the media and even some friends. As most of you are aware I have been nursing a mi-

nor injury since the Finals last January. I used that as the reason for my sudden absence. My sincerest apologies to all. With my profession in sports tied in health and entertainment, it will be very difficult to keep the real reason a secret any longer and will only lead to unnecessary gossips, fake news and misinterpretations. I was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer. The initial testing three weeks ago led me to instantly miss practices and games,” Tenorio said in a state- nors’ Cup after the league’s “Iron Man” streak that lasted for 744 games since he turned pro, apologizing to everyone for keeping FTENORIO, P10

their money’s worth - when these sister teams clash against each other.

I do not think coach George Gallent will mainly rely on Cameron Clark to make a big difference for SMB because obviously he has a lot of talents to produce a win.

On the other hand, Gins mentor Tim Cone depends heavily on the performance of JB. If Brownlee is handcuffed, expect the Kings to go down.

Consider that Japeth Aguilar, and LA Tenorio are the main players Cone had conveniently relied on for the last several championships the Gins won and several other finals they had qualified into.

But Aguilar and Tenorio are out of commission and this will tell heavily on the shoulders of Brownlee.

Yes, Christian Standhardinger and newcomers Jamie Malonzo and Jeremiah Gray have been recently sparkling somewhat but the latter two lack the championship experience that the Beermen lineup has.

Because JuneMar Fajardo is likewise out of the Gov’s Cup semis, assume that the Beermen and the Gins are on equal footing.

Except that when you match each team on a player versus player basis, the resume of San

Miguel Beer players overwhelms to a certain degree those of their Gin counterparts.

Meaning, in a best of five duel, SMB has the edge not only in experience but also in manpower.

Clark and Brownlee will try to outdo each other but a lot is expected from their teammates to produce the difference.

Tough defense is every coach’s first preference. Without it, no team can survive a championhip challenge.

Shooting and point production are built-in facets of the game but modern basketball techniques (like the NBA) show that a tough defending team can eke out a win over a sharp-shooting opponent anytime.

Aside from Clark, Gallent proudly parades his boys, thus: Terrence Romeo, CJ Perez, Marcio Lassiter, Vic Manuel, Chris Ross, Simon Enciso, Jericho Cruz, Moe Tautuaa, Bulanadi, Brondial.

Aside from Brownlee, Cone rolls out his roster: Scottie Thompson, Standhardinger, Malonzo, Gray, John Pinto, Stanley Pringle, Von Pessumal, Aljon Mariano, JD Dillinger, Raymund Aguilar, Onwubere, David. Guys, take your pick. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo. com..) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!