“I don’t know what to feel”: Scottie Thompson on LA Tenorio’s Magnolia move

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel icon LA Tenorio is officially moving into management after being named the new head coach of Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) team, the Magnolia Hotshots, on Monday, July 28.

San Miguel Corporation sports director Alfrancis Chua announced Tenorio’s appointment, revealing that management made the decision to hire the 40-year-old a month ago.

Tenorio’s move may signal the end of his playing career. He recently hinted at uncertainty about returning for another season following Barangay Ginebra’s semifinal loss to long-time rivals, the San Miguel Beermen, in the recently concluded PBA Philippine Cup.

Tenorio’s longtime Barangay Ginebra teammate Scottie Thompson reacted to the major development, revealing in a media interaction that he had mixed emotions about the move.

“I don’t know, can he still play? Can he coach Magnolia and play for Ginebra? I was totally shocked when I heard it, and I don’t know what to feel because throughout my transition in the PBA, Kuya LA helped me — even in these last few games,” Thompson said.

Ginebra stars Scottie Thompson and Japeth Aguilar offered their full support to LA Tenorio as the longtime Gin Kings guard is now the new head coach for the Magnolia Hotshots.

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— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) July 28, 2025

However, the former PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) added that he is happy for his longtime teammate at both the club and national team levels.

“He has been motivating us even in the last playoffs, saying, ‘Hopefully we get the title because we never know until when he’ll be with Barangay Ginebra.’ It’s saddening, but at the same time, I’m happy for him. This is another opportunity for his journey and career,” he added.

Tenorio’s stock is at an all-time high after leading the Gilas Pilipinas Youth to an undefeated campaign in the recently concluded FIBA Under-16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers, where he guided the country to a gold medal.

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

He is also one of the most decorated players in PBA history, with eight championships, four PBA Finals MVPs, a Best Player of the Conference award in 2013, and 10 PBA All-Star selections.

Notably, Tenorio has already begun preparing for life after his playing career, currently serving as head coach of the Gilas Youth team, which he led to gold in the SEABA qualifiers last May.

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