LA Tenorio’s stint as playing-coach could stretch all the way to the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals - or how deep the Hotshots can get into the playoffs.
The injury that plaqued the Hotshots’ backcourt prompted the team to activate Tenorio from the injury list in a desperate bid to steady the Magnolia ship as it goes for a twice-to-beat spot in the first round of the playoffs.
And this isn't just a one-off.
READ LA Tenorio joins short list of PBA playing-coaches
The 41-year-old Tenorio admitted veteran guard Paul Lee and sophomore Jerom Lastimosa will take time for their respective injuries to heal.
“Mukhang matatagalan yung mga napilayan, e,” he told SPIN.ph hours before he makes his debut as Magnolia playing coach.
According to team manager Alvin Patrimonio, Lee suffered a left hamstring injury, while Lastimosa went down with a sprained ankle during Magnolia’s 101-92 loss to Rain or Shine in Bahrain.
“So far, si Paul day-to-day for his left hamstring. Jerom, on the other hand, suffered a Grade 2 left ankle sprain,” the four-time MVP shared to SPIN.ph.
Tenorio took the spot of Lee in the active roster as the Hotshots relegated the 36-year-old guard to the injured/reserved list.
The 6-4 Hotshots are fighting for the last two remaining berths that comes with a twice-to-beat advantage. They will take on the TNT Tropang 5G (7-3) on Sunday in a game that has a huge bearing on the playoffs bid of both teams.
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