PBA: Magnolia undergoes shakeup as LA Tenorio named head coach

LA Tenorio is moving to Magnolia as head coach. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--A new era begins for the fabled Purefoods franchise as LA Tenorio takes over the coaching job for the club currently known as Magnolia.

San Miguel Corporation sports director Alfrancis Chua confirmed on Monday night that the now former Ginebra guard is replacing Chito Victolero as head coach.

"This was planned a month ago," Chua said, adding that the talks for Tenorio to coach the Hotshots began after the latter led Gilas Pilipinas to the championship in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando City, Pampanga.

Chua added, "Bago pa lang si LA, but for sure, he'll be good as a head coach."

He also said that Victolero, whose contract ends in December, could stay on depending on how Tenorio will use his "free hand" in selecting who makes up his coaching staff.

Chua also said that while Tenorio will likely do a full-time role as head coach, the 41-year-old star point guard is not ruling out a possibility of making at least a short-term return to playing.

"He didn't say that he's retired. He's not gonna hang his jersey, but coaching is a very difficult job. Full time yan, pero malay mo, maisipan nyang may ma-injured na point guard. Paglaruin natin," Chua further said, adding that he will talk to Tenorio regarding his future career plans.

Chua also confirmed that Jason Webb is stepping in as the new governor of Magnolia in the PBA board, replacing the retiring Rene Pardo.

"Matrabahong bata, very intelligent, at masipag," Chua described the characteristics that he saw in the 51-year-old Webb, who became a two-term councilor in his hometown of Paranaque from 2010-2016.

The former Tanduay coach added about his former player, "He's a very good leader."

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