‘Bittersweet’ feeling for Ginebra teammates after Tenorio’s move to Magnolia

LA Tenorio ends a highly successful 12-season run with Barangay Ginebra as he joins Magnolia as its new head coach, leaving his former Gin Kings teammates with mixed emotions

MANILA, Philippines – As much as LA Tenorio’s former Barangay Ginebra teammates are happy for him for his next career move, they cannot help but feel a tinge of sadness that he is no longer with the team.

Tenorio leaves the Gin Kings after a highly successful 12-season run with the club as he joins Magnolia as the Hotshots’ new head coach.

He spent almost his entire Ginebra stint competing alongside Japeth Aguilar, who also got to play with Tenorio for Ateneo and Gilas Pilipinas. 

“I’ll always support him no matter what. It’s bittersweet but I’m happy for him. I’m praying for him and I wish him all the best,” said Aguilar in a mix of Filipino and English. 

“For me, he’s still a part of Ginebra.”

Resident Gin Kings import Justin Brownlee has the same sentiments, having played with Tenorio his entire PBA career since he joined the Gin Kings in 2016.

It was Brownlee’s arrival that turned things around for the Gin Kings, who have since won seven championships after an eight-year title drought. 

But it was also Tenorio’s leadership and veteran savvy that allowed Ginebra to thrive on the biggest stage as three of those seven championships saw him crowned Finals MVP. 

“To be honest, nine years in the Philippines playing for Ginebra, I feel like he’s been my second coach on the floor,” said Brownlee. “I wish him nothing but the best. It’s like a bittersweet type of feeling.”

“Obviously, Magnolia’s probably Ginebra’s biggest rival. I can’t wait to see what the Manila Clasico is going to be like, seeing LA on the other side. But I’m definitely happy for him.” 

Taken under Tenorio’s wing after being drafted by the Gin Kings as the fifth overall pick in 2015, Scottie Thompson has blossomed into one of the best players in the league and a mainstay in the national team.

For starters, Thompson has won an MVP award and a pair of Best Player of the Conference plums, his do-it-all play earning him the trust of head coach Tim Cone both at Ginebra and Gilas Pilipinas.

Thompson, though, regrets that Tenorio’s run with the franchise ended in heartbreak as the Gin Kings failed to win a championship last season, losing to San Miguel in Game 7 of the Philippine Cup semifinals. 

“It’s just too bad that we weren’t able to give him a good exit last conference,” said Thompson. 

“We’re still not used to him being on the other side. But that’s life here in the PBA. We just have to keep moving forward.” 

For Ginebra rookie RJ Abarrientos, he is simply grateful for the chance to learn from Tenorio, even just for one year.

“It’s like a 50-50 feeling of sad and happy. I’m sad because he’s not going to be in the team anymore,” said Abarrientos. “I’m thankful because I still got to be his teammate before he turned to coaching.” 

“I’m proud of him. He really deserves to be a coach.” 

Taking over the Hotshots’ coaching reins comes with huge expectations, considering that Magnolia has not won a title in seven years. 

After their last championship run in the 2018 Governors’ Cup, the Hotshots reached the finals three more times but ultimately fell short of the grand prize. 

But Tenorio’s teammates are confident that he is up to the task. 

“I know he’s going to be a great coach and he’s going to do a great job over there,” said Brownlee. – Rappler.com