By REYNALD MAGALLON
Magnolia head coach LA Tenorio isn’t entirely closing the doors on playing again, possibly even becoming a playing-coach for the Hotshots after revealing that he is still part of the team lineup for the PBA 50th Season.
The former player-turned coach revealed that he was still part of the Hotshots injury list, giving him the chance to suit up for the team anytime during the season.
“I think I’m part of the lineup. I think I’m part of the injury list so we will see. It depends on the management but for now I am not focused on that,“ said Tenorio during the PBA Media Day on Friday, Sept. 26 at the Elements Eton Centris in Quezon City.
“I saw the final lineup that we submitted and I was on the injury list so I have a chance but we will see again,” he added.
Tenorio, however, admitted that wearing two hats at this point would be very challenging for him.
“It is gonna be a hard decision for me also kasi nagku-coach ako, at the same time, maglalaro. I think there is only one person who can only do that and that is coach Sonny (Jaworski). Siyempre high respect tayo diyan. Kung magagawa ko why not, we’ll see,” added the 41-year-old rookie mentor.
But in any case, Tenorio said he is still keeping himself in shape, even joining the team scrimmages during practices.
“Kanina sumali ako sa practice tanungin niyo na lang kung anong ginawa ko sa kanila,“ Tenorio said with a chuckle. “From time to time sumasali ako ng practice we’ll never know.”
More than keeping himself ready, Tenorio stressed that joining the team in actual practice and not just teaching his system actually allows the Hotshots to easily adapt to the changes in the team.
“I’ve been on the side of playing. I’ve been on the side coaching. Every time I join the practice tingin ko maganda pa yung nangyayari because mas nakikita nila kung ano yung gust kong ituro sa kanila at ipagawa sa kanila,” revealed Tenorio.
“Nakikita nila na nagagawa ko in real time, not just teaching, telling them what to do. I think malaking bagay na nakikita nila like kanina I joined the practice,“ he stressed.
