CHICAGO - LA Tenorio, a highly decorated player for Ginebra, has been named the new Gilas Youth coach.
No need for a drum roll here. This one had the suspense of a lit candle turning into wax.
After Josh Reyes supposedly "stepped down" as Gilas Youth coach last October 20, a narrative I don't necessarily buy, the Samahang Basketbol Ng Pilipinas (SBP) said that a replacement will be announced "in the coming weeks."
The inference was that a search, far and wide I surmised, was forthcoming.
SOURCES: Norwood eyed as one of LA’s assistants in Gilas Youth
But apparently, the SBP list was shallow as a kiddie pool and the federation, intent on giving the job to the former Ateneo star, spent most of the past 30 days trying to convince Tenorio to take the job he initially declined, multiple sources told me.
"Matagal na yung offer kay LA. Tao ni (Tim) Cone yun eh," an SBP insider revealed Tuesday night.
WAS THERE REALLY A SEARCH?
Like I've said before, the SBP is a private entity that bears zero obligation to explain its internal decisions, but if they want the public's support on their endeavors, a little transparency goes a long way.
Was there really a selection process or was this a case of an appointed hire?
A lawyer, I have faith in SBP executive director Erika Dy. She is smart and deliberate with her decision-making. How much say did she have on this?
I'm a big fan of Tinyente and have no problem with his hiring. It's the process with which he arrived at the position that gives me pause, it smacks of the politics that have enveloped our basketball affairs in a way that has stunted our growth as a basketball powerhouse.
An eight-time PBA champion and a four-time Finals MVP, LA is a generational talent that has inspired so many fans outside of the NSD borders,
CONTINUITY.
I hope Tenorio will work out, for continuity's sake as SBP puts it.
I was made aware that at least six US-based coaches who all have thick coaching credentials in both high school and collegiate levels expressed interest in the Gilas Youth position.
It's no guarantee any of them can do better than what Josh accomplished but they provided a decent shot and an opportunity to modernize our program and expand the recruiting trail.
Unfortunately, none of the six willing candidates even came close to the interview table, assuming there even was one.
Like I said, it's SBP's show and, apparently, outsiders are not welcome.
But I doff my hat to LA for courageously taking a coaching job with such weight and importance.
Recruitment is an essential tool that will determine most of his success. His big name will attract young talents to join him in service to the country.
And if he approaches his job with the same determination and moxie that has allowed him to beat the odds in life and in sports, his hiring may turn out to be just fine.
Best of luck, LA Tenorio.
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