WATCH: Handog kay LA Tenorio itong panalong ito!

After missing his first game in 17 years, LA Tenorio is expected to miss more as he is set to undergo surgery on his injured groin.

The 38-year chief playmaker of Brgy. Ginebra didn’t see action during the Gin Kings’ match against the Meralco Bolts last Wednesday and wasn’t even in the venue. As a result, his record of 744 consecutive games played has come to an end.

“We heard from the trainers, approximately four to six weeks,” said Brgy. Ginebra head coach Tim Cone shortly after his team’s 102-97 win over the Bolts.

“So he’ll probably be out for the rest of the conference. He’s gonna undergo surgery,” added the legendary mentor.

Tenorio reportedly aggravated his ‘sports hernia’ during the crowd darlings’ match against Blackwater last February 19.

Cone admitted that the injury has been bothering the 17-year veteran since their championship series against the Bay Area Dragons earlier this January which the Gin Kings won in 7 grueling games.

“That was devastating to LA. But all good things come to an end. He’s one of those guys who only doesn’t miss games, he doesn’t miss practices — he doesn’t miss practice his whole career. It’s amazing that he’s been able to get this far,” said Cone.

“This is a record that’s gonna be a while, a long time for someone to break. Because this is actually the first game he’s missed in his entire career. And he’s already 38 years old. Imagine that.”

With his ace point guard gone for the time being, Cone is hoping that the temporary break would benefit not only Tenorio but the entire team as well.

“It’s the end of an era. But it’s not the end of LA. He’s gonna be back. He’s gonna come back to play. We’re looking forward to keeping a spot for him. And I’m sure he’ll just start another streak, knowing LA.”

It was a big deal for him, and a big deal for us. But the only thing we can do is move on. So we move on from here. And he will, too,” added the 25-time PBA champion mentor.