LA Tenorio took part in Magnolia practice leading up to their PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup duel with Meralco on Friday, but don’t expect any comeback soon.
The former star turned head coach said that he only did that to be more hands-on in coaching his players, especially after a poor start to the conference in which they lost their first two bouts.
“Hindi, hindi. Siyempre siguro, malaking bagay din na makita nila kung ano ‘yung gusto kong ipagawa sa kanila,” said the 42-year-old, smiling.
There should be no doubt that it worked. Magnolia broke through into the Group B win column following a 112-98 victory at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
It was a measure of payback as well against the very team that sent them packing during the Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals — a 105-102 overtime decision in their do-or-die encounter at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Tenorio felt pleased with the way his team responded, which saw them finish better after failing against Phoenix and Blackwater.
(C) PBA Images
“Napaganda naman kahit papano, ang ganda ng response ng mga players,” said the ex-Gilas Youth mentor, who’s in his third conference at the helm.
What he liked in particular was the support his locals provided to KJ Buffen, which saw a quartet finish in double figures — Zav Lucero (20 points), Ian Sangalang (16), Mark Barroca (14), and Jerom Lastimosa (13).
The American reinforcement, for his part, finished with a team-high 26 points, spiked by a 4-of-5 clip from three. He also had 12 rebounds and five assists.
“The locals should also produce. I’m not saying through points, just the support of the locals, napakalaking bagay na sa import,” Tenorio said. “So, the import doesn’t have to score 50 or 60 points just to win the game.
“Siyempre, magagaling din mag-scout na ‘yung mga teams ngayon eh, so we really have to work together, to help our import, especially the locals.”
Definitely, all the aches and pains he felt after were worth it.
“Medyo masama lang sa akin kasi dalawang araw akong nasa kama,” he said with a chuckle.
“Sumakit ‘yung katawan ko. But again, it was really a good response from my players, and it just shows that laban kami rito.”
