“Trust the process”: LA Tenorio urges patience amid Magnolia’ struggles in the PBA

The Magnolia Hotshots are still searching for answers after a difficult start to the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, dropping their first three games to remain winless in the tournament.

Magnolia’s struggles continued on Sunday, March 22, as they absorbed a 97–91 defeat at the hands of the Blackwater Bossing at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. The loss was particularly notable as it marked Magnolia’s first defeat to Blackwater since the 2021 Governors’ Cup, underscoring the team’s early-season woes and inconsistency on both ends of the floor.

Despite the disappointing run, head coach LA Tenorio remains focused on the bigger picture, urging his players to stay patient as they adjust to a new system and continue to develop chemistry.

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“It was really a heartbreak. But again, I was telling the players to really just keep on fighting. A lot of work to do especially on, again, it’s like putting on a new system. Masyadong matagal ‘yung habits na meron sila. We just keep on working, telling the players to trust the process,” Tenorio said in the postmatch press conference.

The former PBA star acknowledged that Magnolia is currently in a transition phase, fielding a relatively young core that is still learning how to navigate high-pressure situations, particularly late in games. While the results have yet to follow, Tenorio expressed confidence that the team’s commitment to improvement will eventually pay dividends.

“We might not win this conference, may mga ganung bagay ‘yan, but down the road, we are going to get our share of wins as long as we continue on working and staying positive about it. I want the players to stay positive all the time. We are really working hard in practice, no doubt. The thing is, siyempre, we have to translate it in the game. ‘Yung young team na ‘to, a lot of things that we need not only physically but mentally as well.

Blackwater breaks into the win column.#PBA50 #PBA50LID pic.twitter.com/5sxItwW0kF

— PBA (@pbaconnect) March 22, 2026

“They have to learn how to play down the stretch. This is a young team so what do you expect? What I like with this team is they work hard everyday. They are willing to learn. They are willing to get better every day. They are listening,” he added.

Through three games, Magnolia has shown flashes of competitiveness but has struggled to sustain momentum, particularly in crunch time where execution and decision-making have proven costly. Defensive lapses and inconsistent support from the local core have also hampered their ability to close out tight contests.

One bright spot, however, has been the stellar play of import Nuni Omot, who delivered an all-around performance in the loss with 38 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists. Omot has been a consistent offensive engine for Magnolia, showcasing his ability to score from multiple levels while also creating opportunities for his teammates.

Still, Tenorio emphasized that the team cannot rely solely on its import, calling on the local players to step up and contribute in meaningful ways.

“We are playing good basketball because of our import. So what is happening to us is not all about the import. That’s what I’m telling my players. It’s still the locals. They have to share doing the little things for the imports,” Tenorio concluded.

As the losses pile up, Magnolia finds itself in urgent need of a turnaround to keep its playoff hopes alive. The team will look to regroup during a short break, using the time to refine its system, build cohesion, and address key weaknesses on both ends of the court.

The Hotshots return to action on Saturday, March 28, when they take on guest team Macau Black Knights at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. With time slowly becoming a factor in the conference format, Magnolia will be eager to finally break into the win column and spark a much-needed change in momentum.

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