PBA: Ginebra's LA Tenorio in solo training, says coach Tim Cone


Tenorio, wife Chesca expect baby daughter next: '1-on-1 muna ako hanggang sa manganak si misis siguro'
tenorio family
Ginebra's LA Tenorio with wife Chesca and children Santi, Sian and Lucas. (Photo from LA Tenorio's Instagram @la_tenorio)

Except for veteran guard LA Tenorio, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel will start its small group practice session Tuesday at The Upper Deck in Pasig City, head coach Tim Cone said Monday.

Cone did not give exact details on who will be part of the small groups but said guards are divided into two groups while the frontline is gathered in two separate teams of four.

“We are just matching bigs and guards – 4 players to a cluster,” Cone told the Manila Bulletin.

“We’re going three times a week for the first week to test our protocols and make sure we get it all right,” added Cone, whose team will also hold practice sessions on Thursday and Saturday.

READ: Japeth Aguilar, Ginebra teammates raring to get back into practice

As for Tenorio, Cone said the player known as “Tinyente” will go solo for his individual workout “because of his pregnant wife” Chesca, who is expected to give birth next month.

The 36-year-old Tenorio confirmed this, adding that he will be assisted by one of the team’s trainers.

“Yes, sa Upper Deck din naman ako mag-train pero 1-on-1 muna ako hanggang sa manganak si misis siguro. Isang trainer namin ang mag-assist sa akin,” Tenorio said in a text message.

Tenorio said they are expecting a girl after having three boys: Santi, 8; Sian, 7; and Lucas, 3.

This is the first time that the PBA is returning with practice sessions of teams after commissioner Willie Marcial announced the cancellation of games as well as training in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Tenorio said if successful – with no positive COVID-19 among players during the duration – the resumption of practice could pave the way for a possible return of the Philippine Cup.

READ: Swab tests over for Ginebra, SMB, Magnolia

“Hopefully talaga mag-work itong ‘semi-bubble’ na gagawin namin sa isat isa. I’m just hoping and praying na maging successful ito kasi ito ang maging stepping stone ng PBA para makapag-games na din,” he added.

READ: Amid COVID-19: Tenorio gargles salt water; Paul Lee takes vitamins; Belga wears necklace-like gadget that filters air