Leo Austria hails Magnolia as a ‘powerhouse’ under LA Tenorio

It’s been years since the Magnolia Hotshots last hoisted a trophy but this ongoing Philippine Cup could be their chance to bring back their former glory under new head coach LA Tenorio.

Under Tenorio, the Hotshots have amassed a 4-1 win-loss record and has looked like the Grand Slam-winning team of old.

San Miguel Beermen head coach Leo Austria sure believes so, saying that their lineup, especially their big men, are the complete package.

“I think ‘yung team na ‘yun ay contender. With their line-up right now, very competitive ‘yun. Masasabi mo na rin ‘yan na talagang powerhouse. And then, kumpletong-kumpleto especially sa big man,” Austria said,

“I think ‘yung big man nila, at least lima ‘yun na talagang naglalaro. I think with their full line-up, playable lahat ‘yun,” he added.

Magnolia boasts a big man rotation of star Zavier Lucero, veteran Ian Sangalang, James Laput, and Russel Escoto.

Not to mention the Hotshots’ exciting backcourt that consists of veterans Mark Barroca and Paul Lee, alongside emerging sophomore Jerom Lastimosa, Javi Gomez de Liano, and rookie Chris Koon.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

Paul Lee had a productive night in limited minutes for Magnolia as the Hotshots take win no. 4 #PBA50 pic.twitter.com/rXOm6fpU6H

— SPIN.ph (@spinph) October 31, 2025

Austria says it’s only a matter of time before Magnolia truly fuflills it potential, but also shared that they are already feared contenders in the league.

“I think in their last game against Phoenix, lahat ‘yun naglaro eh. And makikita mo naman sa mga player na inspired sila maglaro dahil everybody has a chance to play,” said Austria.

“It’s a matter of time for them to be really, really competitive. Para sa akin, contender sila,” he added. That’s why we are a little bit worried dahil in top shape ‘yung team na ‘yun. Alam naman natin na bago mag-umpisa itong season na ‘to, nauna na silang nagpa-condition.

Their success so far, Austria said, is a product of the experience Tenorio gained in his illustrious 19-year career in the PBA.

“Since the start of his career as a player ay talagang he is a winner. Talagang very competitive siya and nadadala niya sa team, dahil makikita mo naman ‘yung respect ng mga players sa kanya. Importante ‘yun sa isang coach,” he said.

Magnolia will face one of its toughest tests this season alongside Austria’s San Miguel on Friday at the Ynares Center in Montalban at 7:30 p.m.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate basketball fans.