LA Tenorio named new Magnolia head coach

Once a thorn on their side, Barangay Ginebra's LA Tenorio will now call the shots for the Magnolia after being named the new head coach of the powerhouse franchise.

SMC sports director Alfrancis Chua confirmed Tenorio's appointment as the longtime Ginebra guard replaced Chito Victolero at the helm in bid to end Magnolia's title drought.

"Actually this was planned a month ago. Biniro ko siya after winning the gold sa SEABA, [sabi ko] 'pwede ka na'. Doon nag-umpisa 'yun. Everybody knows he's an intelligent guy, a very smart, good leader," Chua said.

"We're not expecting that much from him as a head coach. He was excited when I called him."

Tenorio has been in the coaching circle for nearly a year now. He was given the keys to lead the Gilas Pilipinas Youth and made an immediate impact right away, steering the U16 squad to a gold medal in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers last May.

Chua, however, hopes Ginebra fans will understand the move.

"Oo naman [malaking bagay na mawala si LA sa Ginebra]. I hope the Ginebra fans can understand that LA Tenorio is moving to Magnolia as a head coach," the SMC sports director said.

"Hindi naman habambuhay nando'n tayo. At least makikita pa rin nila 'yung idolo nila sa PBA, ibang capacity lang. Hindi naman pwedeng habambuhay tayo ando'n, we have to move on."

Chua, though, is not certain on whether Tenorio will hang up his jersey for good or will suit up as a playing coach for the Hotshots. 

Magnolia will also put Jason Webb for the role of team governor, replacing longtime team governor Rene Pardo who has officially retired.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News