DON’T expect LA Tenorio to be back donning the Magnolia jersey - at least, not in this coming PBA 50th Season Governors’ Cup playoffs.
The Hotshots coach said he’s not eligible to see action in the quarterfinals, and even onwards, as he was not listed on the team’s final playoff roster.
“Natapos na yung deadline, eh,” said Tenorio, with playoff-bound teams required to submit their official rosters prior to the start of the playoffs.
At the same time, the 42-year-old Ateneo alumnus jokingly added he was actually thinking about suiting up in Magnolia’s final game of the eliminations against Rain or Shine Wednesday night.
“Pero kaya na yan ng mga players ko,” he added, as they pulled off a 107-103 win to secure the No. 1 spot out of Group B.
Playing-coach LA
Speculations of Tenorio being reactivated as playing-coach surfaced on social media where he was seen practicing with the Hotshots, while wearing the newly-released signature kicks of WNBA star Caitlin Clark with Nike, of which he likewise serves as endorser.
Another consideration is veteran guard Paul Lee still being hampered by a hamstring injury that could keep him out of the best-of-five quarterfinals, where the Hotshots will be up against defending champion TNT.
READ: 'Prize' as top seed being duel with TNT? Magnolia will still take it
Lee was in the same situation in the season-opening Philippine Cup, which saw Tenorio resume his career to take care of the point for Magnolia, including in the quarters where they were eventually eliminated by the Tropang 5G.
The eight-time champion, however, disclosed that he’s actually an unrestricted free agent right, teasing interested teams that he’s available for the taking.
“So any team can get me. Available ako, yung ibang teams dyan, baka pwede ako,” Tenorio said in between laughs.
“Ready ako.”
Truth be told, Tenorio and his Hotshots are ready for the playoffs against TNT.
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