LA Tenorio admitted it was by design that he be part of Magnolia’s starting unit in his first ever foray as playing-coach of the Hotshots.
The 41-year-old old guard shared backcourt chores with Mark Barroca, teaming up with Zavier Lucero, Ian Sangalang, and rookie Chris Koon during their PBA Philippine Cup duel against TNT to end the eliminations on Sunday night.
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It was Tenorio’s first game in the league since Game 7 of last season Philippine Cup semifinals against San Miguel when he was still with Barangay Ginebra.
“We planned that para ma-feel ko agad yung game. Siguro 'yun 'yung na-feel namin na puwedeng gawin,” stressed the veteran guard turned coach.
With their coach playing, the Hotshots had a good start and enjoyed an early 11-4 lead. But Magnolia appeared to have lost momentum when Tenorio went out midway through the first quarter as TNT began to hit its stride.
The Tropang 5G eventually won, 94-83, to take the No. 3 seed for a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs.
“We had a good start. Sayang lang hindi namin na-sustain yung start namin,” said Tenorio, who finished with four points, two rebounds, and three assists in 13 minutes of play.
The product of Ateneo said he felt jitters in Magnolia's first possession as he took his place as the seventh playing-coach in the league after PBA greats Robert Jaworski Sr., Ramon Fernandez, Norman Black, the late Bobby Parks, Allan Caidic, and briefly Manny Pacquiao.
“Merong kaunti,” said Tenorio. “Pero again, I’ve been doing that naman for my entire career. Even though I’m playing, parang nagko-coach na rin ako sa ibang players. Siguro yung leadership lang sa loob ng court.
“Dalawang guards yung nawala sa amin, e. Paul Lee is one of our leaders, para lang magkaroon ng kaunting tulong.”
Tenorio knows he remains a work in progress as far as his dual role with the Hotshots is concerned.
“Mahirap sa simula kasi kailangan mong ituro and at the same time, you have to be on the floor. Maraming kailangang isipin,” he said.
“Mahirap. It’s not easy, but it’s doable.”
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