LA Tenorio says farewell to Ginebra, welcomes new Magnolia journey

PBA legend LA Tenorio took to Instagram to announce his goodbyes to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel as he starts his new journey with their sister team, the Magnolia Hotshots.

A month after being appointed as Magnolia’s head coach, Tenorio sent a message to his fans, thanking them for his 13 years in the franchise and allowing him to grace the Gin Kings’ trademark ‘Never say die’ mantra.

“To all the fans – Barangay Ginebra, the best fans in the world – maraming salamat sa inyo! Hindi ko mararating kung nasaan man ako ngayon kung hindi dahil sa pagmamahaol at suporta ninyo. Thank you for always believing in me and my fellow players, and for always fueling us the never die spirit!” he said.

“I will carry ‘Pusong Ginebra’ and ‘Pusong NSD’ with me always, wherever life takes me,” added Tenorio.

“PAALAM SA JERSEY, PERO HINDI SA PUSO.”

As he takes on his new role as Magnolia head coach, LA Tenorio penned his message for Ginebra and their Kabarangays, relishing a 13-year stint with the Gin Kings wherein he won all but one each of his 8 PBA championships and 4 Finals MVPs.… pic.twitter.com/9wH5FlfWJP

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) September 6, 2025

The former four-time Finals MVP also acknowledged Ginebra’s management and the “highs and lows” he journeyed with them.

“To the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Management – Boss RSA, Boss Alfrancis, Ma’am Vicky Estoque, Coach Tim Cone –  at sa lahat ng nagibg coaches ko, teammate, utlility staff, medical team…maraing, maraming salamat sa lahat ng masasaya at malulungkot na panahon na pinagsamahanm antin, on and off the court,”

“It was just yesterday I was battling cancer, and I remember saying in March 2023, “ I have given not only 17 years to the PBA, but have dedicated my whole life to basketball. I have committed my body and health for the love of the game. It has been my passion and love.”

The guard was drafted fourth overall in the 2006 Draft. After his stint for San Miguel, Tenorio was dealt to the Alaska Aces in 2012, where he shone the most, leading them to a Fiesta Conference title in 2010 and notching MVP in the Finals.

In a blockbuster trade in 2012, Tenorio reunited with former head coach Tim Cone in Ginebra, where they would spearhead seven championships until he announced in 2023 that he was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer and was forced to recover.

The former Gin King now awaits his next chapter in the PBA as a coach, seeking to lead the Hotshots to their first championship since 2018.

“As much as I would like to believe my work is not done and would love to play for Ginebra, opportunities and circumstances arise. With the utmost trust and love for the San Miguel management, my family and I believe it is best to tackle this opportunity and step into this next chapter of my life in the world of basketball – coaching,” Tenorio said.

Tenorio averaged 11.1 points and 4.3 assists in his illustrious career.

“Hindi ito pagtatapos. Ito ay pagpapatuloy – ng pasasalamaty, ng pagmamahal, ng pusong hinding-hindi maglalaho. Ito ay hindi pamamaalam jkundi isang pagpupugay – sa samahan sa laban, at sa alaala na kailanma’y hindi magigiba. #NeverSayDie.”

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