LA Tenorio’s Magnolia debut looms — but a true player-coach setup seems unlikely

With Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia set to open the PBA’s 50th season this Sunday, fans are left to wonder if LA Tenorio will pull double duty as player and coach in his Hotshots debut.

But Magnolia team governor Jason Webb said he and Tenorio plan to discuss things in the coming days, though he admitted the possibility of the former Ginebra guard calling the shots on the sidelines and manning the backcourt at the same time is remote. 

“It’s something that LA and I have not discussed yet,” Webb told Inquirer after the league’s press conference at Shangri-La The Fort in Bonifacio Global City on Wednesday.

“But I think if you’re looking at the probabilities, I think there’s a greater probability that he’ll be starting in the injured reserve. He started practice late because he was so busy training the boys.”  

The Hotshots have until noon Saturday, the eve of the “Manila Clasico” to decide if Tenorio will place himself in the active roster. 

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Is there a chance that LA Tenorio could play in his Magnolia coaching debut on Sunday against Barangay Ginebra?

Team governor Jason Webb tells Inquirer Sports that it’s something the Hotshots will weigh in the coming days. | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/rSYio0bmS3

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) October 1, 2025

The notion of Tenorio serving as both coach and player isn’t pulled from thin air. After all, in late July it was officially announced that the longtime Ginebra guard would retire from playing and assume the head coaching role for Magnolia.

While that shift is widely known, there has nonetheless been speculation that he could straddle both roles during the league’s start. In interviews, Tenorio has touched on the strangeness of the transition and his eagerness to bring the same competitive spirit he had as a player into his coaching philosophy.

OneSports reported that Tenorio has discussed the possibility of a player-coach role with Magnolia as part of the shift to professional coaching.

Still, most observers see that scenario as unlikely. His former Ginebra teammates and contemporaries — and even analysts — see the new role as a natural full transition into coaching.

Though the dual role might not materialize right away, Tenorio’s competitive DNA is expected to influence Magnolia’s identity from day one. In press statements, he’s vowed to carry over his “never-say-die” attitude—something he credited from his days at Ginebra—into his coaching philosophy.

His first practice as Magnolia’s head coach took place in August, with Webb, assistant coaches, and players like Paul Lee, Jerom Lastimosa, and Peter Alfaro present.

Also worth noting: as a newly minted head coach, he’s still learning the ropes. Inquirer sports coverage recently noted that Tenorio openly admits he’s still adjusting to the demands of his new role.

That said, Tenorio’s lineage in the game gives him an advantage. He has past coaching exposure with Gilas Youth (in U16 Asia Cup qualifiers) and as a playing assistant during Gilas men’s stints.

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