AT 39 and one of the oldest players in the PBA, Barangay Ginebra's LA Tenorio can be said to have seen it all in his years as an iconic point guard.
But something new came up when his team faced Terrafirma last Sunday. He found himself being guarded by two players who played under him when he was part the coaching staff of the Letran Knights in the NCAA under head mentor Bonnie Tan.
Coach faces ex-players
Initially, it was rookie playmaker Tommy Olivario who took him on. Then Louie Sangalang was next and the young player was a bit physical while handling the Barangay point guard during one play when Tenorio drove to the basket.
Another Terrafirma player under Tenorio at Letran was Allen Mina, who did not play.
While the game was competitive, there were moments when the Terrafirma players and Tenorio were seen to be ribbing each other on the court.
“Coach nga ang tawag sa akin,” said Tenorio when asked about the experience of playing against the former Knights. “Nag-uusap kami sa loob, mga pamangkin ko na yung kalaban ko.”
Tenorio happy with his Letran players
Tenorio said he was glad some of his Letran players have become PBA players, which he said is a dream come true for his college wards.
“I’m really happy for them, seeing them playing in the PBA. Honestly, I’m very proud of them,” he said.
Tenorio won three NCAA championships behind a Letran team led by Sangalang, Olivario, and Mina, players he didn’t expect to go up against considering the uncertainty of his health just a year ago.
“It’s a blessing for me na until now nakakalaban ko pa sila,” said Tenorio.
He also noted how the three players have become an integral part of Terrafirma’s campaign in the all-Filipino conference where the Dyip are at solo fourth with a 4-3 record.
“They’re really playing well not only individually, but nakaka-blend sila sa team and yun ang importante,” said Tenorio.
As tito to them, Tenorio has one piece of advice to Olivario and Co.
“The goal is not just really to play in the PBA. Kailangan kapag nasa PBA ka na, ang goal mo is mahabang career, mag dire-diretso,” said the eighth-time champion and acknowledged as the PBA’s ‘Iron Man.’
Shortly after the game, the young players continued teasing their former coach.
“Nagulangan ko raw sila sa court. Sabi ko ganun talaga,” said Tenorio with a hearty laugh.
In the end, even Tenorio's vast array of one-upmanship and veteran skill were not enough. Terrafirma beat Barangay Ginebra, 91-85, in one of the biggest upsets so far in the Philippine Cup.
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