LA Tenorio has now been declared cancer-free.
According to Ginebra head coach Tim Cone, this positive news came after his star guard underwent a PET (positron emission tomography) scan in Singapore on Tuesday.
Cone informed reporters of the encouraging update shortly after the Gilas press conference at the PBA Office in Libis, Quezon City.
He mentioned that the 39-year-old Tenorio has completed all of his chemotherapy sessions and could return to practice in a matter of days.
“His last PET scan he took today in Singapore is cancer-free,” he shared.
“So, three or four days, he can return to practice.”
Tenorio was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer last March, which led him to put his basketball career on hold for treatment. Nevertheless, he made it a point to visit the Gin Kings whenever possible, especially during the PBA On Tour, to show his moral support for his team.
Even though he needed to focus on his recovery, the 17-year pro didn’t hesitate to contribute to the Gilas cause, serving as part of Cone’s staff for the 19th Asian Games.
The PBA’s most successful coach admitted that he had wanted to include Tenorio in the roster itself if he had been on the list submitted to HAGOC.
“I told him the only problem is, ‘LA, you’re not on the list,‘” he quipped with a smile. “So, we can’t include you on the national team.
“I would’ve put him on the Asian Games team if he had been on the list because he knows our system better than anybody.
“He would’ve been great but sayang, he’s not on the list,” Cone added.