By Yoyo Sarmenta
Before being hailed as Ginebra’s lieutenant and years before becoming a Gilas playmaker, he was just a scrawny 16-year-old kid trying to make a name for himself.
The kid took it upon himself to carry his team, the Ateneo Blue Eagles, in a thrilling Game 3 of the UAAP Finals against the De La Salle Green Archers.
This was 2001 – before the fame, before the glory, and before he legislated the country’s National Reverse. He was up against daunting foes: Renren Ritualo, Mike Cortez, and the rest of the 4-peat-seeking Archers.
But the kid didn’t care. He wasn’t fazed at all. He looked at the pressure straight in the eye and said, ‘Bring it.’
The game ended up as a loss for him and his team.
But even in defeat, the legend of LA Tenorio was born.
Where were you when a rookie dropped 30 in the Finals? #WWYW
Where Were You When? is a video series by BuhayBasket and SLAM Philippines, presented by Gatorade.
Check out these episodes:
Episode 1: Where Were you When: Dino Aldeguer Hit “The Shot”?
Episode 2: Where Were You When UST Pulled Off “The Miracle”?
Episode 3: Where Were You When UP Won the 1986 Title
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