Veteran point guard LA Tenorio has not dismissed the possibility of continuing in a dual role for the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots in the next conference of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50. The 41-year-old legend provided context for his unexpected shift to a playing coach position during their recent campaign.
Necessity Led to Dual Role
Tenorio clarified that his assumption of playing coach duties during the Philippine Cup was primarily out of necessity. The team faced a backcourt crisis when their two main guards, Jerome Lastimosa and Paul Lee, encountered injuries. This situation forced Tenorio to step up and take on more responsibility beyond his usual on-court play, guiding the team from a coaching perspective as well.
Season 50 Outlook and Philippine Cup Exit
Looking ahead, Tenorio remains open to the idea of continuing this unique arrangement depending on the team's needs. His experience and leadership are viewed as invaluable assets for the Hotshots. This development follows a challenging Philippine Cup run where Magnolia's journey was cut short. They were eliminated in the quarter-finals by the TNT Tropang 5G with a final score of 109-118.
The potential continuation of Tenorio as a playing coach marks a significant storyline for Magnolia as they regroup and strategize for the upcoming conferences in PBA Season 50. It highlights the adaptive nature of professional sports teams and the evolving roles of veteran players in the league.
