By REYNALD MAGALLON
With LA Tenorio being named as the new head coach of Magnolia, it only meant that he will be at the other side of the fence when the Hotshots take on the Barangay Ginebra and its legion of fans during the much-anticipated Manila Clasico.
That is a scenario probably most of the loyal ‘Never-Say-Die’ faithful never imagined considering the impact and the mark left by Tenorio as one of the most loved players in Ginebra uniform.
But that is also why SMC sports director Alfrancis Chua is hopeful that the Ginebra fans would understand the move that saw the playing-assistant coach at the Kings camp become the most prominent figure on the rivals opposing bench.
“I hope Ginebra fans can understand that LA Tenorio is moving to Magnolia,” said Chua after news on Tenorio’s appointment broke out on Monday, July 28.
“Hindi naman habang buhay andoon tayo (sa Ginebra), like sila Mark Caguioa, and Jayjay Helterbrand. At least, makikita pa nila yung idolo nila na nasa PBA pa rin. Ibang capacity lang, but we have to move on. It’s a different job, so we’ll see,” he added.
Chua, who also serves as Ginebra team governor, however admitted that the presence of Tenorio at the Ginebra will surely be missed.
“Malaking bagay na nawala si LA. LA is a leader,” said Chua though he acknowledged that that was also the very same reason why Tenorio was deemed fit for the Magnolia job.
Of course, Tenorio will be best remembered for the game-winning three-pointer he buried in Game 6 to send the semis series to a do-or-die Game 7 against San Miguel.
Chua, however, isn’t sure whether Tenorio’s appointment as coach already meant that he is retiring from the game although he admitted that he brought up the idea of possibly the 41-year-old guard serving as a playing coach.
“To tell you frankly, after nung good game niya, I told him mag playing coach ka,” Chua recalled. “Ang sabi lang ni LA: ‘Wag na boss, baka i-boo ako ng Ginebra fans.’ Yung puso niya, nasa Ginebra pa rin, so sana maintindihan ng fans ng Ginebra yung desisyon namin.”
“He didn’t say that he is retired, that he is gonna hang his jersey. Coaching is a very difficult job, full-time yan, pero malay mo may ma-injure na point guard, malay niyo may second [Robert] Jaworski? We’ll see,” added Chua.
