Magnolia veteran Mark Barroca is excited to play under new head coach LA Tenorio

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 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.

Magnolia veteran Mark Barroca welcomed the news, expressing excitement about finally teaming up with Tenorio—widely regarded as a PBA legend and known for his tactical intelligence.

“Excited at looking forward ako kasi, siyempre, kilala naman natin siya. Isa siya sa mga tinitingalang point guard sa PBA,” Barroca said in a media interview.

The 39-year-old Barroca, who has been with the Hotshots since 2011, is confident that Tenorio will bring character and a winning mentality to a Magnolia squad that has struggled in recent years. The team last lifted a PBA trophy in 2018, winning the Governors’ Cup.

UP FOR THAT WINNING CULTURE 🤝

Magnolia veteran Mark Barroca is looking forward to playing under the leadership of the Hotshots’ newly minted head coach, former Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel stalwart LA Tenorio, in the upcoming PBA conferences.#PBASeason50 #PBAAngatAngLaban pic.twitter.com/ct2Lu4YSsw

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) July 31, 2025

“Matalinong maglaro, magaling na leader, at nasa dugo niya pa ‘yong pagiging winner. Madadala niya sa team ‘yong winning culture. Excited akong matuto sa kanya. Alam kong marami siyang madadala na maganda,” he added.

Tenorio’s coaching stock is currently at an all-time high, having recently led the Gilas Pilipinas Youth to an undefeated campaign and a gold medal in the FIBA Under-16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers.

His appointment may also 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 greatest 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 league history, with eight PBA championships, four PBA Finals MVP awards, a Best Player of the Conference award (2013), and 10 PBA All-Star selections.

Notably, Tenorio has already been preparing for life after basketball, currently serving as head coach of the Gilas Youth, whom he led to gold in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers this past May.

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