Justin Brownlee is plenty curious about how the next Manila Clasico would look now that LA Tenorio is on the other side — as a head coach.
Like anybody else, Ginebra’s resident import felt as surprised as anybody else upon learning that one of his best pals has been appointed as Magnolia’s mentor, with their rivals starting afresh after spending the last eight seasons with Chito Victolero.
“I can’t wait to see what the Manila Clasico is gonna be like seeing LA on the other side,” said JB, who has figured in multiple ‘Clasico’ clashes since 2016.
Tenorio, 41, saw the end of his stay in the Barangay after being tasked to man the helm of a Hotshots franchise, hoping to turn things around after winning only one championship under the tutelage of the former college bench tactician.
News came out early Monday and was later confirmed by no less than SMC sports director Alfrancis Chua, in a development that sent shockwaves not only across the PBA but in the local basketball landscape, too.
It somewhat overshadowed Gilas’ exhibition match against the Macau Black Bears at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, as it became the center of online discussion.
Even Brownlee himself admitted that he couldn’t believe what he had just heard, since it involved somebody who’s also been his guide since arriving in Manila.
Photo by PBA Images
“I just heard about that earlier. Man, I was surprised. I can’t believe that. I couldn’t believe it when I heard it,” said the 37-year-old winger, who won all of his six league championships with Tenorio and the crowd darlings.
“To be honest, my nine years in the Philippines playing for Ginebra, I feel like he’s been my second coach on the floor.”
Brownlee can’t deny that it’s a ‘bittersweet’ feeling to see the decorated floor general go, but is nonetheless happy for the opportunity that came his way.
“LA has been a coach ever since I’ve been here. His moniker is the ‘Gineral’ for a reason, and I wish him nothing but the best. It’s like a bittersweet type of feeling, you know,” he said.
“I’m definitely happy for him.”
Brownlee firmly believes, too, that Tenorio has the makings of being a ‘great coach’ for Magnolia — or even as a playing coach, too, if he so chooses.
“You’ve seen what he did in the playoffs about a few weeks ago. He still got a game and he still got a lot that he can give, I feel like,” he said, referring to Tenorio’s heroics in Game 6 of the Season 49 Philippine Cup semis.
“I’m not sure about coaching and playing, I know that could be a little difficult, but I know if anybody can do it, I am sure he can do it because I feel like he’s been doing it his whole career anyway,” he added.
“He’s coaching, always explaining stuff, especially to the youngsters, and even myself throughout my whole career,” continued Brownlee.
“He’s always given me great feedback, and great advice on the game.”
#WATCH: BITTERSWEET
Justin Brownlee is proud of LA Tenorio’s new chapter as a head coach—but admits it stings a bit knowing it’s with Ginebra’s longtime rival, Magnolia 🏀
📹 @justinebacnis /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/rUcxHVswXU
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) July 28, 2025
