By REYNALD MAGALLON
San Miguel Sports Director Alfrancis Chua confirmed the appointment of LA Tenorio as the new Magnolia head coach as well as the promotion of assistant coach Jason Webb as the team governor.
Talking to the members of the press ahead of the Gilas Pilipinas friendly game against Macau at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Monday, July 28, Chua said it had long been planned to have Tenorio take over the role for the Hotshots.
“This was planned a month ago or a week ago, talking to LA, yung taong yun, biniro ko siya after winning the gold sa SEABA, I said pwede ka na. Doon nag-umpisa yun,“ said Chua.
The SMC executive, however, was quick to temper expectations on Tenorio’s appointment although he expressed his confidence at the coaching capabilities of the 41-year-old playmaker.
“Everybody knows he’s a very intelligent guy, very smart, team leader. We’re not expecting that much, bago pa lang si LA. But for sure, he’ll be good as a head coach,“ he added
Marking the new era for the Hotshots, Chua said Tenorio is getting a free hand at choosing his coaching staff, and the decision whether to retain Victolero as part of the team.
The former Hotshots coach who handled the team for the last nine years is still in contract until December, according to Chua.
Also getting a fresh look is the team’s top management with Webb taking over the role vacated by Rene Pardo, who has recently retired from his position.
“I’m naming Jason Webb as the new Governor of Magnolia. Bagong coach, bagong Governor,“said Chua
“Very intelligent. Matalinong masipag. Nag-communicate to the players. A very good coach. I think malaking bagay siya sa team,“ he added.
