LA TENORIO is embarking on a new challenge as the Barangay Ginebra veteran has been appointed head coach of the Gilas Pilipinas Youth team.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) formally announced the 40-year-old Tenorio is taking over from Josh Reyes to oversee the Youth program in the biggest task handed to him outside his playing career.
COLUMN: Will LA Tenorio be the next Gilas Youth coach?
Even though he is still an active player, Tenorio has held assistant coaching duties with Gilas Pilipinas in the past, and even with Letran in the NCAA.
Tenorio’s appointment comes just a few days after playing for Barangay Ginebra in the PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup Finals, which the Gin Kings lost to the TNT Tropang Giga in six hard-fought games.
“The SBP is excited to have a true sportsman and role model in LA Tenorio as our Gilas Pilipinas Youth head coach,” said SBP president Al Panlilio.
“He has great relationships with coach Norman Black who heads our grassroots program and coach Tim Cone of the elite level and he’ll serve as the bridge between the two. When we first talked to LA about the idea, he was open to the challenge immediately and he even had a short list of coaches that he wanted to work with.
"He’s a natural leader and a winner on and off the court. He will teach our young athletes lessons they will use not only in basketball but in life as well.”
LA helps Gilas 'continuity'
Tenorio's long years playing under Cone will be integral to the program as the SBP strives to link the Youth program with the senior team.
"Coach Tim is big on continuity and that has been the reason why we've had a small pool for Gilas ever since he took over," said SBP executive director Erika Dy.
“Appointing Coach LA as head of our age group teams in the youth level strengthens that process. The goal is to complete the player journey from our grassroots to the elite level, and having a Youth coach who knows the system of coach Tim by heart will be beneficial for everyone involved.”
Tenorio said the opportunity caught him by surprise but he’s excited for the challenge.
“There’s a lot of pressure in the role because I’ll have big shoes to fill,” he said. “What coach Josh Reyes accomplished by making it to two World Cups is not an easy feat but I’m excited to work with our young players and help them reach their full potential.
"I already talked to coach Tim and I’ll be running a similar system so our Youth players can easily transition to the men’s team.”
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