LA Tenorio may now be on the other end of the famed “Manila Clasico” rivalry, serving as the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots’ newest head coach, but the “Never Say Die” spirit is still well and alive with the former long-time Barangay Ginebra star.
“‘Di pa rin sanay, pero masasanay rin ‘yan paunti-unti,” said the Ateneo de Manila University product during the PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft on Sunday, September 7, his first official assignment as Magnolia head coach.
“I’m getting used to it, getting there, pero there still are a lot of things to work on,” he added.
“I’m still the same LA when I was a player: competitive.”
Tenorio is a proven winner during his recently-concluded playing days in the PBA.
Across his 19-year career that included stints with the San Miguel Beer franchise, Alaska Milk and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings, he won eight PBA championships with four finals MVPs.
Aside from the accolades which he got as one of the best point guards ever in the league, Tenorio said that it will be the “Never Say Die” spirit which he got from his 13-year stay with the Gin Kings that will help him in his transition as Magnolia head coach.
“It’s still a weird feeling,” he admitted.
“But one thing that I’ve learned with Ginebra is the ‘NSD’ spirit, so ibibigay ko rin ‘yun sa team namin. It’s a weird situation, that mantra is for Ginebra, but in reality, ganun talaga eh, you should remain resilient all the time.”
“Given this opportunity, I will not take this opportunity for granted. It’s a tough job to do, but I’m excited to do something special with this team,” the former Gilas Pilipinas guard added.
Fortunately for Tenorio, his familiarity with the Hotshots players has also helped in his transfer to the Purefoods franchise.
“Kilala ko naman ‘yung mga players ng Magnolia at kilala naman nila ako, and the good thing about Magnolia is they are willing to learn, and they are very hardworking,” said the one-time Best Player of the Conference winner.
“It’s a good composition of veterans and young players, and the good thing about our team is we’re hungry. Matagal na silang hindi nakakatikim, so I think, kahit naman sinong coach ‘yung mapunta dto, makikita ‘yung hunger nila,” he added.
But now that he will be going up against his former Kabarangays the next time he enters his next ‘Manila Clasico’ clash, how will Tenorio react to this?
“‘Di ko alam pa kung ano ‘yung feeling,” he said.
“Again, it’s just a game that I have to coach. I want to win, but we want to learn and get better from that game whether we win or lose. We need to get something from the games that we play.” (ABS-CBN News)