TNT coach Chot Reyes was no longer stunned when LA Tenorio, as Magnolia’s playing coach, made a splash in the few minutes that he played during the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup.
The 41-year-old Tenorio combined for 2-of-5 from three-point range during the two games he was on the floor this conference, while also serving as shot-caller for the Hotshots.
Both of those matches came against the Tropang 5G – one at the close of the elimination round last December 21, and the other in the quarterfinal game on Saturday.
READ: TNT books semis seat by ousting Magnolia with wire-to-wire win
Tenorio drained a three during a late third quarter run that pulled Magnolia to within nine, 79-70, but that momentum eventually fizzled in the fourth period.
Reyes said the two games Tenorio saw action in proved he can still play.
“I counted it already,” said Reyes on the three-point shot made by Tenorio after Jordan Heading sagged off of him on defense. “Nakita ko nung nag-help ‘yung tao niya, na-kick sa kanya, sabi ko shoot.”
Tenorio combined for 22 minutes in two games, mainly to fill in for injured Jerom Lastimosa at point guard.
Tenorio's scouting report
Reyes said he was already aware that Tenorio still has the touch to make three-point shots, even though his primary role with the Hotshots is as head coach.
“Ganda ng tinitira ni LA even in Gilas practice,” said Reyes of his former Gilas Pilipinas pupil. “Sinasabi sa akin ni (Gilas assistant coach) Josh [Reyes] and ni Calvin [Oftana], even in practice, kapag nakiki-practice sa Gilas, grabe ang shooting.”
“I expected it. I wasn’t surprised. I know LA can hit those shots.”
Fortunately for TNT, Tenorio’s outside shots weren’t the turning point of the game, as the Tropang 5G were able to hold off the Hotshots in the final frame, ultimately protecting the lead that reached as high as 27 points early on.
“Kalma lang. Just part of our mantra that we play as tough a defense as we can,” said Reyes. “And if the other team makes the shot, we attack coming back. We just want to make sure that we keep that mantra.”
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