LA Tenorio, former Barangay Ginebra star, is now the head coach of the Magnolia Hotshots, marking a new chapter in his basketball career. Speaking at the PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft, Tenorio admitted, “‘Di pa rin sanay, pero masasanay rin yan paunti-unti,” as he adjusts to coaching.
Despite the transition, Tenorio remains competitive, saying, “I’m still the same LA when I was a player: competitive.” Over his 19-year PBA career, he won eight championships and four Finals MVP awards. He credits the “never say die” (NSD) spirit from his 13 years with Ginebra as key to his coaching mindset.
“It’s still a weird feeling,” he said. “But one thing that I’ve learned with Ginebra is the ‘NSD’ spirit, so ibibigay ko rin yun sa team namin… you should remain resilient all the time.”
Tenorio expressed excitement about the opportunity, saying, “It’s a tough job to do, but I’m excited to do something special with this team.” His familiarity with Magnolia’s players has eased the transition. “Kilala ko naman yung mga players ng Magnolia at kilala naman nila ako… they are willing to learn and very hard working,” he noted.
He praised the team’s mix of veterans and young players, adding, “Matagal na silang hindi nakakatikim, so I think… makikita yung hunger nila.”
Looking ahead to facing his former Ginebra teammates in the Manila Clasico, Tenorio said, “‘Di ko alam pa kung ano yung feeling… I want to win, but we want to learn and get better from that game whether we win or lose.”