From sidelines to possible comeback: LA Tenorio named Magnolia playing coach

LA Tenorio is officially wearing two hats in the PBA—listed as Magnolia’s head coach and, at the same time, part of the Hotshots’ active roster.

The longtime Barangay Ginebra floor general, who was tapped in the offseason to replace Chito Victolero as Magnolia’s mentor, has also been included in the team’s player lineup on the injured/reserve list submitted to the league.

Tenorio himself confirmed the development, sharing that he even joined Magnolia’s practice session on Friday. By placing him on the injured/reserve list, the Hotshots have effectively secured his playing rights—a technicality that gives the 41-year-old veteran the option to suit up again if needed.

“I’m not focused on that. My rights is with Magnolia now. I saw the final line-up that we submitted the other day and I was on the injury list. So I have a chance. May chance. But we will see,” Tenorio explained.

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LOOK: LA Tenorio confirms that he’s been taking part in Magnolia practices after being placed on the injured/reserve list. Magnolia will reportedly face Barangay Ginebra to open the PBA season on Oct. 5 | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/uP7kkqooEr

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Under league rules, PBA teams may register 15 players plus one on the injured/reserve list. Anyone not included in those slots is automatically tagged as an unrestricted free agent.

While Tenorio reiterated that coaching is now his main priority, his presence on the roster adds an intriguing wrinkle to Magnolia’s season. After all, the veteran guard is joining an exclusive group of PBA figures who have served as both coach and player, the most iconic being Robert Jaworski, who led and played for Ginebra from 1985 to 1998.

Still, Tenorio admitted that balancing both responsibilities is daunting.

“But it’s a hard decision for me because siyempre, nagko-coach ako and at the same time naglalaro ako. There’s only one person who can do that and that’s Coach Sonny,” he said, paying tribute to Jaworski.

For now, Tenorio’s focus remains on steering Magnolia from the sidelines. But his name on the roster leaves the door slightly open for a possible return to the court—if and when the Hotshots need him most. 

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