This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
LA Tenorio wins his first game as a PBA head coach as he guides Magnolia past his former team Barangay Ginebra and former mentor Tim Cone
MANILA, Philippines – LA Tenorio’s transfer from Barangay Ginebra to Magnolia as the Hotshots’ new head coach happened so fast that he did not get a chance to have a heart-to-heart with Gin Kings mentor Tim Cone.
But after their first coaching duel, Tenorio hopes to pick Cone’s brain.
Tenorio won his first game as a PBA coach as he guided Magnolia to an 80-73 win over Ginebra that kicked off hostilities for the league’s 50th season on Sunday, October 5.
“Honestly, so far we haven’t had a face-to-face conversation because we didn’t have any time,” said Tenorio in a mix of Filipino and English. “I talked to the players. I said my goodbye, I said my piece to the players, but with Coach Tim, I haven’t talked to him face-to-face.”
Just a couple of months ago, Tenorio was still playing for Cone.
He even helped Ginebra stay alive in last season’s All-Filipino tournament, hitting the game-winning three-pointer against San Miguel in Game 6 of their best-of-seven semifinals in July.
Talks of retirement emerged after the Gin Kings lost to the Beermen in Game 7, with Tenorio concluding his 18th season in the league.
But what came next proved to be a surprise as San Miguel Corporation sports director Alfrancis Chua confirmed just a couple of weeks later that management handed Tenorio the Hotshots’ coaching reins, replacing longtime head coach Chito Victolero.
Tenorio’s move to Magnolia marked the end of his fruitful partnership with Cone which bore eight championships: one during their time at Alaska and seven with Ginebra.
“Hopefully these next few days, I’ll get to talk to him. Now that we’ve faced each other and it’s over, maybe I can get his thoughts on coaching. I’m sure he was getting ready also for this game, that’s why I didn’t disturb him,” said Tenorio.
For Cone, going up against Tenorio was just the same as his encounters with his other former players and assistants who became head coaches.
That list includes TNT’s Chot Reyes, Blackwater’s Jeffrey Cariaso, Meralco’s Luigi Trillo, Titan Ultra’s Johnedel Cardel, and Phoenix’s Willy Wilson.
“I’m happy for LA, sad for myself. You guys are making a big deal out of it than either he and I are,” said Cone. “It’s much bigger for LA than it was for me tonight, put it that way. It was his first game, he’s going to remember it. I’m going to forget this one really quickly.”
With a win under his belt, Tenorio wants the Hotshots to focus on their ultimate goal, which is to win their first championship since 2018.
“I feel great, I feel good about this win, but we didn’t achieve anything,” said Tenorio. “We have to get better and stay disciplined because we’re looking at the bigger picture. But of course, I’ll accept this win. Why not?” – Rappler.com
