Magnolia Red coach LA Tenorio could join the exclusive club that has Sonny Jaworski, Ramon Fernandez, Norman Black, and the late Bobby Parks if he decides to trade his clipboard for a jersey and become the PBA’s newest playing-coach.
The 41-year-old Tenorio revealed during the PBA Media Day on Friday at the Elements of Centris that he is officially listed as a playing-coach for the Hotshots, raising the possibility of a remarkable return to the court in the league’s golden 50th season.
“I’m part of the lineup. I think I’m on the injury list,” Tenorio admitted in a story from PBA.ph, confirming that his name is included in Magnolia’s 15-man roster for the Philippine Cup, though currently stashed under the injured/reserve list.
If it pushes through, Tenorio will be the first since Jaworski to straddle both worlds in the PBA.
Among them, Jaworski is regarded as the most successful, having steered Ginebra to four championships while still lacing up.
“There’s only one person who can do that, and it’s Coach Sonny (Jaworski). And siyempre, high respect tayo diyan,” Tenorio said.
“It’s basically going to be a hard decision for me siyempre, magka-coach ako at the same time, naglalaro ako.”
Tenorio, who has yet to retire from playing officially, is slowly testing the waters. He disclosed that he has already rejoined Magnolia practices.
“From time to time sumasali ako ng practice. So you’ll never know,” he shared with a grin, hinting at the fire that still burns.
The long-time Barangay Ginebra captain also clarified that his emotional Instagram post before the 2025 Draft was not a retirement announcement but a farewell note to the Gin Kings.
“It depends on the management. My rights are with Magnolia now. So I have a chance. But we’ll see,” Tenorio added.
