CHOT Reyes is preparing for the likelihood of Magnolia activating a player from its injury list in time for its all-important game against TNT on the final day of the PBA Philippine Cup eliminations.
The veteran coach admitted anticipating a possible move by the Hotshots to activate coach LA Tenorio for Sunday’s game especially after guards Paul Lee and Jerom Lastimosa went down with injuries one after the other during the team’s 101-92 loss to Rain or Shine in Bahrain last Monday.
READ TNT puts one foot inside Top Four door after rout of Blackwater
Prior to the start of Season 50, Tenorio admitted he’s part of the team lineup submitted by Magnolia for the season-opening conference, but was put on the injury-reserved list.
But the former Barangay Ginebra guard said he’s ready to play if needed as he’s been actively practicing with the Hotshots on a regular basis.
He also has a ready playing jersey just in case the need arises.
Reyes said he won’t be surprised should Tenorio show up at the Smart Araneta Coliseum ready to take on the role as playing-coach.
“Actually that’s something na naisip ko right away nung pinanood ko yung last game nila. And it’s not surprising kasi ilang beses na rin nangyari di ba even nung nasa Ginebra pa siya,” said Reyes Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“Again that’s going to be part of what we have to prepare for. That’s what we have to talk about,” he added. “And quite honestly, it’s something that I have been thinking about and it’s my job to prepare the players so that we don’t get surprised on Sunday.”
TNT blew away Blackwater, 113-96, for its second straight win and a 7-3 record for solo third place.
Reyes said winning over Magnolia would have TNT making it to the Top 4 and gain twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
But Magnolia also remains on track of a possible quarterfinals bonus as it stands at fifth spot along with Barangay Ginebra, Magnolia, and Meralco, and a win over TNT would also boost its chances.
Reyes said Tenorio suiting up as a Hotshot for the first time will definitely be big for Magnolia.
“You’ve seen that in his game. There’s a different energy, there’s a different calmness and steadiness when LA is on the floor. He might not be as quick anymore, or as athletic as a Jerom or as lethal as a Paul Lee. Pero iba yung presence niya.
“He has a very calming effect and I know because I coached him for so long. So that’s something we have to be prepared of,” said Reyes.
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