LA Tenorio joined Gilas Pilipinas at its Laguna training camp as a player, not as part of the coaching staff.
The 39-year-old guard assisted in training the national team for their upcoming FIBA Asia Cup qualifier campaign by participating during their four-day stay at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna.
"LA is here to assist in training the players, although he is not officially part of the coaching staff for this training window," as stated by Gilas team manager Richard Del Rosario.
Tenorio was one of the Barangay Ginebra players selected by coach Tim Cone to practice with the national team during their training camp, alongside Japeth Aguilar, and rookies Ralph Cu, and Donaldo Gumaru.
Out of the 12 players selected by Cone for the opening window of the Asia Cup qualifiers, two are currently injured, namely AJ Edu and June Mar Fajardo.
The 37-year-old Aguilar is reportedly set to replace Edu.
Nevertheless, Tenorio seemed to be enjoying his temporary role playing with the young members of Gilas.
"The future of Philippine basketball," he shared on his Instagram account, accompanying a photo with Gilas young players Edu, Dwight Ramos, Kai Sotto, Carl Tamayo, and reigning UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao just before the team ended their camp on Sunday.
Del Rosario mentioned that Tenorio may rejoin the Gilas coaching staff in the upcoming windows of the Asia Cup qualifiers.
"He may possibly return for the next windows," mentioned the Gilas manager.
Tenorio was among the assistants Cone had when he guided Gilas to the historic basketball gold during the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
Gilas Pilipinas will conduct a public workout at the Philsports Arena on Monday before departing for Hong Kong for their game on Feb. 22.
On Feb. 25, the national team will face Chinese Taipei at the Philsports Arena.
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