IT’S not every day one gets to play alongside a legend.
And so it was to Peter Alfaro’s extreme delight when LA Tenorio was finally activated as playing coach of Magnolia.
While he feels for the injuries to teammates Paul Lee and Jerom Lastimosa that eventually paved the way for the 41-year-old Tenorio to claim a roster spot with the Hotshots, Alfaro said it was a rare opportunity for him to share the backcourt with the future Hall of Famer.
“It’s a blessing and grateful to be on the court with one of the legends. Very inspirational. It’s a dream na makasama si coach LA,” said the son of former PBA player Pedro Alfaro.
Tenorio made his debut as playing coach on the final day of the Season 50 Philippine Cup eliminations, and will continue to do so in the playoffs where Magnolia dukes it out with No. 3 seed TNT.
In Tenorio's return to action, the Hotshots lost a 94-83 decision to the same Tropang 5G squad, which also earned a twice-to-beat quarterfinals bonus.
READ: Tenorio says Magnolia playing-coach role 'not easy, but doable'
Alfaro was disheartened with the blown opportunity for now-sixth-seeded Magnolia, but will always look back at the moment when he got to watch and eventually, play together with Tenorio, who became just the seventh playing coach in the 50-year history of the league.
“When I was looking at him playing on the court, sabi ko sa sarili ko I will grab this opportunity na makasama siya kasi for sure he’s going to be one of the greatest ever,” he said.
“It’s a blessing and an opportunity for me to be with him and showcase what I can do also."
San Beda products share court
The 25-year-old Alfaro, signed to a three-year contract by the team before the start of the season, describes Tenorio as a great leader.
And for a fellow Bedan like him, Alfaro said he admires the way the former Barangay Ginebra stalwart carries himself as a leader on and off the court.
“I look up to him kasi I was also a former team captain at San Beda. And you’ll never know kasi sobrang galing niya. Parang pinapakita niya sa aming lahat how to be a leader not just on the court, but off the court,” said Alfaro, who played for San Beda from high school to college, of Tenorio, who was a Red Cub before committing to Ateneo.
The sophomore guard will have another chance to relive the rare moment on Saturday when the Hotshots fight for dear life against TNT on Saturday in the second day of the playoffs at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
And who knows? Going deep into the playoffs could mean a longer while for Alfaro to play together with a still-playing legend.
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