LA Tenorio becomes the seventh playing-coach in PBA history

Magnolia Hotshots head coach LA Tenorio became one of the few figures in Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) history to serve as both coach and player after suiting up for Magnolia in a Season 50 Philippine Cup game against the TNT Tropang 5G at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night.

Tenorio, 41, stepped onto the court in full playing gear to help bolster Magnolia’s backcourt, which has been plagued by injuries in recent weeks.

His activation from the injured/reserve list marked a rare moment in league history, joining a short list of playing‑coaches including legends such as Robert Jaworski, Norman Black, Bobby Parks, Ramon Fernandez, and Allan Caidic.

The veteran guard logged around 13 minutes of action, his first competitive minutes since being named Magnolia’s head coach earlier this season, finishing with modest statistics in Magnolia’s 94‑83 loss to TNT, a result that secured a twice‑to‑beat advantage for the Tropang 5G in the upcoming quarterfinals.

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PASOK, PLAYING-COACH LA! 🫡

LA Tenorio knocks down his first field goal, a three-pointer, to try and lift the Magnolia Hotshots in the third quarter against the TNT Tropang 5G in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.#PBA50 #PBA50LID pic.twitter.com/m9UWJfqx58

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) December 21, 2025

Tenorio’s decision to put on the jersey again came as key guards Paul Lee and Jerom Lastimosa were sidelined, prompting Magnolia to look for experienced leadership on the floor as it closes out the elimination round.

“It depends on the injury situation,” Tenorio said. “Hopefully they can come back, but if not, then I’ll be ready.”

Tenorio’s unique dual role has sparked discussion around the league, as the former Barangay Ginebra star transitions into coaching while still offering veteran presence on the court.

Magnolia will look to avenge their loss against TNT in the quarterfinals at the same venue on Saturday, Dec. 27, at 7:30 p.m.

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