On the day the legendary Robert Jaworski turned 78, LA Tenorio and Japeth Aguilar showed their love for the PBA and Ginebra legend.
Whenever he steps on the court, LA Tenorio knows he carries the daunting responsibility of protecting Ginebra icon Robert Jaworski’s legacy.
Tenorio shared this sentiment as the Gin Kings prevailed in their opening game assignment against Rain or Shine, 113-107, in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup on Friday, March 8, which, incidentally, was the 78th birthday of the basketball legend.
“Kapag suot namin 'tong jersey na ‘to, even in practice, it’s not a privilege. It’s a higher responsibility,” Tenorio told One Sports.
Tenorio, the current leader of the league's most popular team, knows what the Big J means to the Ginebra faithful.
That is why the Gin Kings are always motivated to deliver day in and day out, even when they are missing some key cogs, when down by a huge margin, or when odds are simply stacked against them.
After all, that is what Jaworski’s "never say die" mantra is all about.
Remember when "The Living Legend" suffered from busted lips, got nine stitches from a nearby hospital and returned to lead Ginebra to a sensational come-from-behind win over the Northern Consolidated Cement in a semifinal game in the PBA in 1985?
“I think the legacy of Jaworski, when you talk about Jaworski and Ginebra, every time we wear this jersey, nakakapit ang pangalan niya. The 'Never Say Die' spirit started sa kanya,” said the seasoned playmaker, who was also coming off a tough personal battle against colon cancer.
“Yung privilege na opportunity na masuot namin ang Ginebra jersey, parang dinadala namin ang legacy ni Senator Jaworski, ni coach Sonny Jaworski.”
Tenorio added they owe everything to Jaworski, who endeared himself to the Ginebra fans.
“Without him, wala kami dito. Wala ang mga fans, most especially. Minahal siya ng mga fans,” he said.
To this day, throngs of Jaworski's supporters continue to show up with their children or grandkids wherever the squad plays. Jaworski also returns the favor, giving them his time to show his appreciation.
“'Yun 'yung isang alam ko na lagi niyang gingawa before. Kasi napagkukuwentuhan din ng mga matatandang utilities namin na hanggang sa huli, patay na lahat ng ilaw, he would entertain lahat ng mga fans. That is why ganito ang mga fans ng Ginebra sa amin.”
[ALSO READ: 'Never Say Die' moments in Ginebra history]
Japeth Aguilar, whose father Peter played for Jawo, shared the same sentiment.
“Jaworski started all of this. We’re just trying to live off kung anong naumpisahan niya, 'yung 'Never Day Die' spirit. Iba 'yung ginawa niyang culture para sa Ginebra,” Aguilar said.
On the day the PBA legend turned 78, Tenorio wished him good health so they can see him back on the bleachers again, cheering for the team he built.
“To coach Sonny, personally, alam ko naman anong situation mo ngayon. Praying for him and happy birthday, siyempre. Praying for good health and sana makita pa namin siya sa mga games. Napakalaking bagay 'pag nakikita namin siya sa games,” he said.