LA Tenorio has not yet decided to hang his jersey and retire when he accepted the head coaching job for the Magnolia Timplados Hotshots.
The 40-year-old Tenorio was still playing for the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings when he gave his nod to an offer to handle the Hotshots.
San Miguel Corporation Sports Director Alfrancis Chua said he and team management said they are still in talks with Tenorio over the role that he will play with the Hotshots.
“He didn’t say that he’s retired (from playing), that he’s gonna hang his jersey. But coaching is a very difficult job. Pero, malay mo, maisipan niya, may ma-injure na player, na point guard. Tapos paglaruin natin,” said Chua of what could happen with Tenorio while with the Hotshots.
Chua said that if Tenorio continues playing, he could follow in the footsteps of Robert Jaworski, who played and coached for Ginebra many years ago.
Tenorio recently began his coaching career when he steered the Gilas Pilipinas U16 team to the South East Asian Basketball Association championship for a berth in the FIBA Asia Cup U16 tournament.
During Tenoorio’s 19-year tenure in the PBA as a player, he has won a total of eight titles, four Finals MVPs, 10 all-star selections, and four Mythical Team selections.
This includes 13 years of playing with Ginebra.
Tenorio replaces Chito Victolero, who handled the Hotshots for nine years since 2016.
During the last Philippine Cup, the Hotshot lost their semis bid to the TNT Tropang 5G.
