LA Tenorio played five stellar years in Ateneo de Manila University. But if he had a choice, he would not have gone to Katipunan.
His “dream school” was not Ateneo, but a university some 15 kilometers away — University of Santo Tomas.
The 5-foot-9 floor general confessed the fact during an episode of 2OT with Carlo Pamintuan and Magoo Marjon.
“Most of the schools, kinausap din talaga ako,” shared Tenorio, who won led San Beda to the NCAA Season 75 Juniors Basketball championship.
“Isa lang ang hindi talagang naka-recruit sa akin na gusto ko pang puntahan — UST.”
What fascinated Tenorio was the rivalry the Growling Tigers had with the De La Salle Green Archers during the 90s.
During Tenorio’s elementary days in Adamson, UST defeated La Salle in the Finals of Seasons 59 and 60. Then when he was a Red Cub, La Salle had its turn, beating UST to win Season 62.
Though many schools tried to secure his commitment, the late Aric del Rosario and UST did not make any offers to him.
“UST at La Salle ang rivalry nun ‘di ba? Kaya gusto ko dun, sila napapanood ko. Kaya lang ‘di naman ako ni-recruit ni coach Aric.”
Tenorio understands that the Growling Tigers already had a formidable roster during Season 65. But he insisted that he was willing to wait just to play for UST.
“Honestly… kung ni-recruit ako ng UST noon, malamang nasa UST ako. Hindi ako ni-recruit kasi hindi sila nangangailanngan that time, kasi buo sila.”
Still, he has no regrets over going to Ateneo.
During his run, he would win a championship in Season 65, while making it to the All-UAAP team in Seasons 67 and 68.
