MANILA (Philippines) - In Philippines basketball, certain names are etched for the way they embodied the heart and soul of the game. Lewis Alfred "LA" Tenorio is one of those names.
For Filipino basketball fans, Tenorio goes by two monikers: "Tinyente" (Filipino for lieutenant) or the "Iron Man" for his unmatched durability - playing in a record-setting consecutive number of games played in the PBA. Tenorio’s career is a living testament to resilience, savvy, and leadership.
His journey from a promising collegiate star to a legend in the Filipino and Asia basketball circles mirrors the dreams of countless young Filipinos who see basketball as a way of life. In every game he donned the Gilas Pilipinas colors, Tenorio showed what it meant to play with pride, heart, and humility.
A Storied FIBA Career
Recall that in the Asia Cup 2013 held in Manila, LA Tenorio played a crucial role as the team's chief orchestrator on the floor. His court generalship helped steer the Philippines to a silver medal finish - the country's best result in decades - and secured a ticket to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2014, the nation's first appearance in the tournament since 1978.
At the World Cup in Spain, Tenorio again showcased his calm demeanor and basketball IQ. Despite being undersized compared to many of his counterparts, Tenorio stood tall among giants. He helped Gilas Pilipinas achieve a historic victory over Senegal - their first World Cup win in 40 years. That single triumph was more than just a win; it was a moment of national pride, and Tenorio was right at the heart of it.
He also suited up for the Philippines in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers, continuing to lend his steady hand to the national squad. Though he eventually passed the torch to younger guards, Tenorio's role during these campaigns was pivotal - not just in terms of production, but also in mentorship, leadership, and continuity for a program that aspired to scale greater heights.
Indelible Impact
Tenorio's impact stretches far beyond a few tournaments or stat sheets. As the longtime floor leader of Gilas Pilipinas, he was an icon of "Puso" - the famed rallying cry of Philippine basketball. In a country where size often posed a limitation on the international stage, Tenorio used his smarts, skill, and poise to level the playing field. He wasn't just a point guard; he was living proof that with enough heart, grit, and determination, Filipinos could belong among the world's best.
Domestically, Tenorio also built one of the most successful Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) careers in recent memory. As the steady hand for several PBA teams, he captured an astonishing eight PBA championships and earned four Finals MVP awards, underlining his reputation as a player who elevated his game on the biggest stages.
Perhaps even more inspiring was his comeback story after being diagnosed with colon cancer in March 2023. Refusing to let adversity define him, Tenorio fought back until he was cleared in September of the same year.
Not long after, he returned to professional basketball, providing yet another chapter to his ever-inspiring narrative. His resilience served as a reminder that true greatness isn't just measured by wins and titles but by perseverance through life's toughest battles.
A New Challenge
Now, Tenorio is preparing to give back in a new way. Appointed in 2024 as the head coach of the Philippines' youth national basketball team, he is setting his sights on shaping the country's next generation of stars.
His plan is both ambitious and thoughtful: to align Gilas Youth's system with the senior Gilas program, ensuring a smoother and more sustainable talent pipeline moving forward. His transition from court general to mentor is a natural evolution. It reflects his enduring passion for the sport and his commitment to Philippine basketball’s future.
A Legacy Beyond the Court
LA Tenorio's legacy cannot be fully captured in statistics, awards, or highlight reels. It lives in every young point guard who watches his old games and dreams of representing the country. It lives in every Gilas fan who cheered for another "Puso" rally. And now, it lives in the hopes of the youth he is preparing to guide through Gilas Youth.
As he continues to mentor and inspire, his influence on the sport will ripple through generations, ensuring that the spirit of "Puso" remains alive and well.
FIBA