LA Tenorio returning to basketball with ‘higher purpose’

MANILA, Philippines – LA Tenorio returns to basketball with “a higher purpose” after being declared cancer-free.

Tenorio announced his long-awaited return to the field on Wednesday with an emotional social media post about his battle with stage 3 colon cancer.

“Now I’m returning to basketball. For the love of the game,” wrote the Barangay Ginebra veteran, who is an eight-time PBA champion. “This time with a higher purpose.”

“Not like the old LA, but hopefully with the new and better version of myself. “I hope I can help inspire people through the game of basketball – that life, winning battles, winning championships – are all more meaningful not because of the end goal, but because of the journey,” he added.

The 39-year-old guard shared his journey after taking a break from basketball in February.

“My journey – from the tests, the surgery, the official diagnosis to the twelve sessions of chemotherapy – was an experience I will never forget, it is the kind of experience that defines us and gives us a different perspective in life,” said Tenorio . “Like many other cancer patients, there were bad days, but the one thing I can be thankful for is that God has given me the strength to continue my life as a father, provider, son, brother and friend to everyone around me during the entire journey. ”

Ginebra coach Tim Cone announced during the Gilas Pilipinas press conference on Tuesday that Tenorio will be cleared to participate in team training “within the next few days.”

Tenorio is grateful to all the people who have inspired and prayed for him along his journey.

“Life is short. This time, let’s live life fully and more meaningfully. I can’t wait to touch a basketball again. This is my story. And I am ready to enter the next chapter of my life,” he added.

Tenorio will be part of Cone’s coaching staff in Gilas’ campaign at the Asian Games.