PBA superstar LA Tenorio discloses stage 3 colon cancer diagnosis

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

What a sad news for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

LA Tenorio, the current superstar point guard of the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, revealed his specific health status which led him to miss games in this year’s PBA Governor’s Cup.

The eight-time PBA champion announced in a statement last March 21, 2023, that he was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer three weeks ago.

Tenorio explained that he used his aggravated sports hernia injury to cover up his cancer diagnosis, a thing he was deeply sorry for when he surprisingly disappeared for Ginebra heading into their PBA semifinal matchup against the San Miguel Beermen.

“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 & misinterpretations,” Tenorio said.

The tagged “Gineral” of the PBA said that he already completed his surgery last week but will need more months to finish the full phase of his treatment process.

With that being said, Tenorio will not be playing in the PBA playoffs of this import-laced conference and might be back after his healing process.

Tenorio’s absence from Ginebra will be a huge blow when they kick off their campaign against the Beermen in the semifinals of the Governor’s Cup.

Without one of the best floor generals in the PBA, Ginebra struggled to slow things down and will look to bank on the services of Scottie Thompson, Nards Pinto, and Stanley Pringle to handle point guard duties.

However, Tenorio confirmed that he will not be retiring from the PBA and is optimistic about a return with the help of the best doctors in the Philippines and Singapore.

“I have given not only 17 full years to the PBA, but have dedicated my whole life to basketball. I have committed my body and health for the love of the game. It has been my passion and love. Sadly, there are things beyond one’s control,” continued Tenorio.

We are rooting for you, LA!