From Gin King to Hotshots mentor: Tenorio embraces first ‘Manila Clasico’ as Magnolia head coach

LA Tenorio admits that his first taste of the fabled Manila Clasico from the sidelines will be unlike anything he has ever experienced. For the first time in his storied PBA career, the longtime Ginebra floor general won’t be donning the red jersey of the Gin Kings. Instead, he’ll be calling the shots for the Magnolia Hotshots as their new head coach.

“Yes na hindi,” Tenorio said with a smile when asked if he is looking forward to facing Ginebra, the team he called home for 13 seasons. “Hindi ko alam ang magiging feeling. But in the end, it’s just ordinary. It’s just a game. It’s just a game that I have to coach the team.”

The 50th season of the PBA marks a symbolic turning point for Tenorio, who only a few months ago hit a clutch three-pointer that kept Ginebra’s Philippine Cup hopes alive against San Miguel. That semifinal win-or-bust moment on July 6 was one of his last flashes of brilliance as a player. Three days later, his Gin Kings bowed out in Game 7 — a game where Tenorio played just two minutes and failed to score.

Now, instead of orchestrating comebacks on the floor, Tenorio is tasked with leading Magnolia to new heights. And the Manila Clasico, he says, is an ideal proving ground.

“Gusto ko, habang Manila Clasico, I want them to feel na, yes we want to win. But we want to learn and get better after that game, whether we win or lose,” he said. “We have to get something out of the games that we play. ‘Yun ang plano ko sa team. Of course, we have a goal. Gusto namin to get over the hump. Medyo matagal-tagal na. That’s the goal. But again, this is not a sprint. This is a marathon. Unti-unti lang. One step at a time.”

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New Magnolia coach LA Tenorio paid tribute to Barangay Ginebra as he formally announced his retirement after 19 PBA seasons.

“As much as I would like to believe my work is not done and would love to play for Ginebra, opportunities and circumstances arise.” | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/FDveQARIx7

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) September 6, 2025

Tenorio has been preparing for this role for years, quietly transitioning into coaching duties while still active as a player. At Ginebra, he served as a playing assistant under Tim Cone, while also handling the Gilas Pilipinas Youth squad before his appointment with Magnolia. Yet, he’s aware that his Ginebra ties don’t necessarily give him a head start.

“’Yun ‘yung plano na dahil may advantage na alam ko ang ginagawa nila. But I’m sure mag-iiba ‘yan dahil alam nila na alam ko ang ginagawa nila. But we will see what will happen. I’m just excited with this position, excited to work and be an inspiration sa mga players,” he said.

If anything, his biggest takeaway from Cone isn’t the Xs and Os, but the philosophy behind the system.

“Marami akong naging coaches. But of course, ‘yung mga successful stint ko sa career ko under kay Coach Tim. Hindi natin maiiwasan na madala natin, not really ‘yung sistema but the attitude towards the game, ‘yung gustong gawin sa team. Kasi iba naman ‘yung composition ng team ko sa composition ng team namin with coach Tim. I just have to do the system or the culture na gusto kong ibigay sa team based sa tao na meron ako,” he explained.

For Tenorio, around 70 percent of his coaching DNA comes from Cone’s influence. But the rest, he believes, will be uniquely his — a culture rooted in patience, accountability, and growth.

“Definitely, probably I must say 70 or 60 percent, that’s the system and how we approach the game,” Tenorio said.

When Magnolia and Ginebra finally clash this season, fans will see a different Tenorio — not the veteran point guard orchestrating a comeback, but the head coach determined to inspire one.

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