ANTIPOLO – LA Tenorio’s Iron Man record is becoming unreachable.
The 37-year-old played his 700th straight game on Sunday night as Barangay Ginebra made its 2022 PBA Philippine Cup debut against Blackwater.
He has not missed a match since being drafted by San Miguel Beer with the fourth overall pick in 2006, a class that features future Hall of Famers.
It became official when Tenorio checked in at the 5:48-mark of the first.
Such a remarkable feat was recognized by the league. He was given a plaque at halftime, in front of a sizable crowd at the Ynares Center here.
The seven-time champion received the precious hardware from Commissioner Willie Marcial, San Miguel Corporation sports director Alfrancis Chua, Converge governor Chito Salud, and Blackwater governor Silliman Sy.
Tenorio played for a total of 31 minutes and 21 seconds as he helped the Kings take a narrow 85-82 win after being down by double digits.
The Gilas Pilipinas legend, though, did not take the credit all to himself as he paid tribute to his teammates past and present.
“It’s really about also the team. Ang importante kasi is nag-e-enjoy ako sa ginagawa ko, I’m enjoying the company of the team,” he said.
“Every time I got to practice, ‘yun ang pinaka-importante. Hindi ‘yung I’m dragging myself to go to practice kasi, maybe because, nag-e-enjoy nga because we’re always winning,” he added.
Tenorio also thanked his coaches especially head coach TIm Cone, whom he’s known for a long time now that all began with the Alaska franchise.
“‘Yun ang isang factor. I’m thankful to the coaching staff, kay coach Tim, and of course the management. Kung hindi dahil sa kanila, hindi naman ako makaka-700 games. Thankful lang ako,” he said.
Tenorio became the league’s Iron Man in 2019 after breaking the record of 596 consecutive games played set by four-time MVP Alvin Patrimonio.
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