LA Tenorio’s retirement rumors swirl after Barangay Ginebra’s Philippine Cup exit

The San Miguel Beermen once again proved why they are one of the most formidable teams in Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) history, pulling off an incredible 100–93 comeback victory in their do-or-die Game 7 of the Philippine Cup semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, July 9.

It was not a good night for the league’s very own “Iron Man,” LA Tenorio, as he barely saw any action in Game 7, spending just two minutes and 28 seconds on the court despite his heroics in Game 6 of the semifinal series.

The 40-year-old might have played his last game in the PBA and for Barangay Ginebra, as he admitted after the loss that he is still undecided about whether to return for another season or call time on what has been an illustrious career.

“I don’t know my plans yet. We will see. You will definitely hear it from me in the next few weeks,” Tenorio told the media.

However, the veteran guard does have the memory of Game 6 etched firmly in his mind if it turns out to be his final game in the league. Tenorio helped his team register a famous 88–87 victory after draining a game-winning three-pointer to complete a dramatic comeback. The 40-year-old changed the face of the game after coming off the bench in the fourth quarter to score 11 points — including the clutch shot with 3.1 seconds left on the clock.

“Last game I did it, and [him] today. This just shows that vets can still win games.”

Game 6 hero LA Tenorio gives credit to Game 7 hero Chris Ross as the two share a light moment following the conclusion of the #PBASemifinals. #PBA | via @kennedyzcaacbay pic.twitter.com/QgMnWqgnI8

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) July 9, 2025

“It’s definitely memorable for me because honestly, I don’t know what’s going to happen to me in the next few weeks, few months. So, we will see. I don’t know my plan yet. It’s just sad because this may be my last game. It’s sad. The most memorable game for me this season is definitely Game 6, because that’s the only one I played in,” he added.

Widely considered one of the best guards in PBA history, Tenorio holds the record for the most consecutive appearances in league history — 744 straight games — until a sports hernia ended the streak last season. The feat earned him the admiration of fans and the nickname “Iron Man.”

He is also one of the most decorated players in PBA history, winning eight championships, four PBA Finals MVPs, one Best Player of the Conference award in 2013, and earning 10 PBA All-Star selections over his illustrious career.

Notably, Tenorio has already prepared for life after his playing days, as he is currently the head coach of the Gilas Youth team, leading them to the gold medal in the FIBA Under-16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers in May.

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