PBA legend LA Tenorio named new head coach of Magnolia Hotshots

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel icon LA Tenorio is officially moving into management after being named the new head coach of Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) team, the Magnolia Hotshots, on Monday, July 28.

San Miguel Corporation sports director Alfrancis Chua announced Tenorio’s appointment, revealing that the decision to hire the 40-year-old was made by management a month ago.

“This was planned a month ago. I was talking to LA, and I joked about him winning the gold in SEABA and asked, ‘Ano, pwede ka na?’ Everybody knows that he is a very intelligent guy and a smart man. He is a team leader. We are not expecting that much, but for sure, he will be good as a head coach,” Chua told the media.

Tenorio’s stock is at an all-time high after leading the Gilas Pilipinas Youth to an undefeated campaign in the recently concluded FIBA Under-16 Asia Cup SEABA qualifiers, leading the country to a gold medal.

Chua expressed hope that Barangay Ginebra fans would understand Tenorio’s decision to move into a full-time coaching role.

San Miguel Corporation Sports Director Alfrancis Chua has confirmed that LA Tenorio will step in as the new head coach of the Magnolia Hotshots, officially ending Chito Victolero’s nine-year tenure with the team. | via Mei Lin Lozada / One Sports#PBAAngatAngLaban #PBASeason49 pic.twitter.com/B7zSsUzvsO

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) July 28, 2025

“Yes, it’s a big deal that LA is leaving Barangay Ginebra. I hope the Ginebra fans can understand that LA Tenorio is moving to Magnolia as a head coach. We can’t be players forever. At least they’ll still see their idol in the PBA, just in a different capacity. Life moves on,” he added.

Tenorio’s move may signal the end of his playing career. He recently hinted at uncertainty about returning for another season following Barangay Ginebra’s semifinal loss to long-time rivals San Miguel Beermen in the recently concluded PBA Philippine Cup.

Widely considered one of the best guards in PBA history, Tenorio holds the league record for most consecutive games played — 744 straight — until a sports hernia ended the streak last season. The feat earned him the nickname “Iron Man” and the admiration of fans.

He is also one of the most decorated players in PBA history, with eight championships, four PBA Finals MVPs, a Best Player of the Conference award in 2013, and 10 PBA All-Star selections.

Notably, Tenorio has already begun preparing for life after his playing career, currently serving as head coach of the Gilas Youth team, which he led to gold in the FIBA Under-16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers in May.

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