L.A. Tenorio is a role model for every Filipino national athlete

                                                     (Photo from LA Tenorio's Facebook page.)

Watching live on AKTV earlier the Smart-Gilas II-PHL Basketball Team play its final and for-the-championship game (round-robin format) versus the US Team in the 34^th William Jones Cup, the commentators repeatedly announced that L.A. Tenorio has been waiting to be “called to service” to represent the country in an international competition.

And he did more than serve, delivering the championship—along with his teammates—for the Philippines via a thrilling come-from-behind victory.

Along the way he showed an attitude and mindset worthy of emulation of every Filipino athlete who aspires to finally bring home the Holy Grail of Philippine sports, which is our country’s first Olympic gold medal (hopefully to be won finally in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, and not further.)

A video record of the entire game or at least its fourth quarter (embedded here) should be required viewing for every national athlete under the payroll of the Philippine Sports Commission, across all sports—especially among the newest and youngest recruits. With a sports psychologist to lecture on mental toughness post viewing.

To illustrate Tenorio’s heroic role in our country’s recent sporting conquest, the following are quotes from the Philippine Star article Smart Gilas II cops Jones Cup crown by Nelson Beltran:

…it was its smallest player, 5-8 L.A. Tenorio, who delivered the killer blows that gave the Filipinos the scary win before cheering Filipino fans in the capital city. […] 

...Tenorio stood tall, making the biggest plays, the biggest shots and even the biggest rebound as the Philippines nailed its fourth Jones Cup championship. […]

Tenorio collected 20 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter mostly on a two-man game with Marcus Douthit.

The Alaska Milk playmaker personally rallied Gilas from a seven-point deficit and himself clinched the victory as he knocked in the go-ahead basket with 20 seconds left then collared the rebound as Mychal Kearse flubbed a jumper 12 seconds later. […]

’No. 5 (Tenorio) was the big difference. I think we did a good job on him in the first half but he started getting into the groove in the second half. He penetrated too much, creating plays and hitting shots himself,’ (US coach Travis) McAvene said of Tenorio. 

That he possesses exceptional athletic skills is a given, as every Filipino elite athlete does. But, having the principle and personal conviction of fighting for the country’s glory, along with the mental fortitude to fight and overcome the most formidable challenges, sets Tenorio apart and exalts him among the best of the Filipino race—across all professions.

The Atenean is way up there with Manny Pacquiao.


And a Happy National Heroes' Day to all Pinoys!