For LA Tenorio, one of the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s assignments this 2018 Commissioner’s Cup is polishing their chemistry with American reinforcement Charles Garcia.
The 6-foot-9 reinforcement has been in the country for almost a week now, but has only completed one practice with the Gin Kings due to dehydration, as he has yet to acclimatize with the weather here.
But Garcia still racked up 19 points, eight assists, and six rebounds, but his numbers didn’t translate to a victory, as the Gin Kings bowed to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 89-108.
“Marami pang adjustment na kailangan pang gawin — sa liga, sa sistema, sa weather, sa officiating… Marami pa siyang kailangan gawin,” said Tenorio moments after the tiff.
“Nag-complete practice lang siya sa’min yesterday, kasi nga he’s been battling with dehydration. So kailangan namin matulungan,” he added. ‘“Hopefully this week makapag-practice siya ng buo.”
Time won’t be an issue for the Gin Kings in working things out with the American, as their next outing is next Sunday, May 6, against the TNT Katropa.
“The good thing about this is that next Sunday pa yung next game namin, so makakapag-adjust pa talaga yung team,” said the 12-year league veteran.
Many, especially the ka-Barangays, perceive Garcia as a replacement import, as Justin Brownlee will return as soon as possible after his stint with San Miguel Alab Pilipinas in the ABL.
But it’s not that way for them.
“Hindi namin tinitignan na parang temporary import lang for Justin. Justin is wala sa picture — sa ngayon. Andyan yung import namin, kung sino yung import namin, we’ll deal with that.
“And I’m sure the coaching staff also has a plan for our import that’s why kinuha nila ‘to. I’m sure with Coach Tim [Cone], alam niya kung ano gagawin. ‘Di namin kinukwestiyon,” said the 33-year-old floor general.
