LA Tenorio has been in the PBA long enough to know when a rookie is not just talented, but trainable.
And Ginebra’s newest rookie Teytey Teodoro, for sure, is one of those rare gems. So Tenorio is more than willing to take Teodoro under his wing to help him blossom into a great pro cager – just as he did to then-budding guard Scottie Thompson.
The 12-year PBA veteran Tenorio said Teodoro has all the tools to follow the footsteps of Thompson – who ascended from the fifth rookie pick in 2015 to one of the league’s superstars last year, highlighted by Finals MVP and Most Improved Player plums – so long as he never stops learning the game, especially in his debut season.
“It reminded me of when Scottie first came to the team. Ganun din na nagbibigay spark, then nakuha niya ‘yung rhythm niya sa games,” said the 34-year-old Tenorio on the former JRU standout.
“Hopefully si Teytey, ganun din mangyari.”
Tenorio was referring to the lift that Teodoro provided in the fourth quarter. Ginebra had nearly clawed back from a huge 21-point hole, 57-78, against the four-time champs San Miguel.
Playing with Ginebra’s finishers Tenorio, Japeth Aguilar, Greg Slaughter and Thompson, Teodoro made a good account of himself with six crucial points including the booming trey in the 1:54 mark which pushed the Gin Kings to within 86-94.
Ginebra fell short, 91-99, but there is the silver lining of Teodoro picking up some lessons about finishing in the endgame.
“Malaking bagay sa amin na in that kind of situation, nandun siya.
“Siguro si coach Tim Cone, naghanap talaga ng spark, and he made a spark when he entered the game. I hope he’ll continue to do that for our team,” added one of the league’s most decorated guards.
For his part, Teodoro admitted that he’d been surprised with the fourth quarter call-up. Still, he assured he would be ready to go all-out against whichever team Ginebra plays.
“Nagulat din ako kasi sinubukan ako ni coach Tim kahit medyo kinapos lang nung huli,” he said.
“For me, kahit sino namang kalaban, basta ready ako to play basta hugutin ako ni coach Tim.”
Teodoro’s veteran-smarts – even as rookie – impressed Tenorio, who explained his desire to take the rookie under his tutelage, especially in practice.
“He has to adjust pa rin. Pero mukhang beterano siya eh. He knows what he’s doing, he’s a smart player,” said Tenorio, who had a team-high 24 points, six rebounds and five assists for the Gin Kings.
Having been in the league since 2006 as the fourth overall draft pick, this is how the four-time champion Tenorio is starting to train the future Ginebra leaders.
Teodoro, for sure, will be on his way there, along with Thompson.
“In my position right now, I’m looking for a player na talagang iga-guide ko. Siguro nasa situwasyon ako ngayon sa career ko na yes, I can still play. But at the same time it’s time for me to guide the young players kasi marami nang young players na dumadaan,” said Tenorio, a two-time Finals MVP.
“Gusto ko rin maging good example sa kanila while playing, hindi lang ‘yung puro turo lang ako then ‘di ko naman ginagawa in front of them. The good thing about Teytey and our young players is that they’re willing to learn. Go pa rin sila magtanong, ‘di sila nahihiya, and I made sure na ‘di sila mahihiya sa akin.”
