Barangay Ginebra icon Justin Brownlee opens up about LA Tenorio’s new coaching role

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 the decision to hire the 40-year-old was made by management a month ago.

Like the rest of Barangay Ginebra’s management and his teammates, their star import Justin Brownlee was shocked by the news, revealing that he couldn’t believe it when he first heard.

“I just heard about that earlier. Man, I was surprised. I couldn’t believe it. To be honest, during my nine years in the Philippines playing for Ginebra, I feel like he has been my second coach on the floor,” Brownlee said in a media interaction.

“LA has been a coach ever since I’ve been here. His moniker is the ‘General’ for a reason, and I wish him nothing but the best. It’s a bittersweet feeling. I’m definitely happy for him,” 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, guiding the country to a gold medal.

#WATCH: BITTERSWEET

Justin Brownlee is proud of LA Tenorio’s new chapter as a head coach—but admits it stings a bit knowing it’s with Ginebra’s longtime rival, Magnolia 🏀

📹 @justinebacnis /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/rUcxHVswXU

— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) July 28, 2025

The 37-year-old import believes that Tenorio has already proven he has the mentality for coaching and the makings of a great coach for Magnolia — even possibly as a playing coach, should he choose that path.

“You saw what he did in the playoffs a few weeks ago. He’s still got game, and I feel like he still has a lot to give. I’m not sure about coaching and playing — that could be a little difficult — but if anyone can do it, it’s him. I feel like he’s been doing it his whole career anyway.

“He’s always coaching, always explaining things, especially to the younger guys — and even to me throughout my career. He’s always given me great feedback and advice on the game,” Brownlee concluded.

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 longtime rivals San Miguel Beermen in the recently concluded PBA Philippine Cup.

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 MVP awards, a Best Player of the Conference award in 2013, and 10 PBA All-Star selections.

Notably, Tenorio has already begun preparing for life after basketball, currently serving as head coach of the Gilas Youth team, which he led to gold in the FIBA Under-16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers in May.

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