Basketball

This was the headline of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) on Tuesday, November 19 because of their announcement on selecting LA Tenorio as the head coach of the Gilas Pilipinas Youth. With Tenorio renowned for his ironclad determination and basketball intelligence, the replacement comes on the heels of successive poor performances in the FIBA Youth competition which prompted Reyes to resign in September.

Even so, the star player of the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel said that he is still very much an active player and will not stop wearing his sneakers soon.

“Iron Man” is Still Ready to Play

Now at 40 years of age, Tenorio can still be considered to be one of the key personalities in basketball in the country. That is why his choice to be an active PBA player and at the same time having a coaching position speaks volumes about his passion for basketball and the creation of more Filipino basketball talents.

When asked about his retirement plans, Tenorio clarified:

“Next year pa. Matagal pa eh, August pa. I will play pa. Maglalaro pa ako sa PBA kasi once a year lang naman ‘yung liga. We will see. I will see. I haven’t thought about it. But we will see.”

These words of Tenorio pacified the Ginebra fans who still rely upon his captaincy and knocks down in crucial matches

Congratulations and best of luck to former UAAP player and Ateneo alumnus LA Tenorio on his new role as head coach of the Gilas Pilipinas Youth! #StrongerBetterTogether pic.twitter.com/2WuDVQzD5Y

— The UAAP (@uaap_official) November 20, 2024

A Surprising Appointment

Tenorio confessed that he did not expect SBP’s move to put him in charge of managing the Gilas Pilipinas Youth team. The veteran guard disclosed that he thought a lot before accepting the position.

“A bit surprised but they offered me talaga dati pa, but I thought about it sobra. Finally, I said yes last week. At the same time, a lot of pressure because [I have] big shoes to fill doon sa ginawa ni coach Josh. Alam naman natin kung ano ‘yung ginawa niya sa developmental at sa youth team. Nakapag-dalawa or tatlong World Cup siya. It’s really a big shoes to fill.”

It would however be important for the youth program to act as a major determinant of the future stars that would be produced to fill the national team. Tenorio’s leadership will be critical in making this program a success since the former player and assistant coach has lots of experience.

Bringing the Gilas System to the Youth Team

Understanding all the settings in international basketball: Including this, Tenorio has been learning as the assistant of Tim Cone for the senior national team.

Tenorio said that he envisioned using the same procedures in implementing the youth team talent hunt to retain the culture and provide necessary backing to players who are promoted to the senior team.

“Most likely, the system that I’m going to run is the same system that we run in the men’s team to have that transition.”

This continuity will help the Gilas Pilipinas Youth team align with the senior squad’s playing style, fostering a unified approach across age groups.

A Career Defined by Resilience and Excellence

This primary valor earned Tenorio his nickname ‘Iron Man’ and he has not switched his PBA record with 744 consecutive games played in the league. This stunning talent stopped last season due to a recurring sports hernia, but as a player, this man has been in a league of his own.

Over the years, Tenorio has amassed an impressive list of accolades, including:

• 8 PBA Championships
• 4-time PBA Finals MVP
• Best Player of the Conference (2013)
• 10-time PBA All-Star

His consistency, leadership, and ability to deliver in clutch moments have made him a fan favorite and a respected figure in the basketball community.

The Challenges Ahead

Regardless of the fact that Tenorio becomes a head coach of Gilas Pilipinas Youth, it is not without numerous challenges. The team has failed to deliver in the subsequent FIBA Youth events, and there is pressure on Tenorio to help change the fortunes.

His ability smartly to bring into the new season the parts of Tim Cone’s system and to work on the youngsters’ discipline and confidence will be paramount. Also, his affair concerning his new duty to coach the team in addition to playing his role as a player will be able to determine if he will be able to well organize the time he has at his disposal.

A Bright Future for Philippine Basketball

As a player, and as a coach, Tenorio showed himself as a man dedicated to the country’s basketball. His appointment is evidence that young talent development is an area of priority that will help further the sport in the future.

Loyal supporters of basketball may find it possible to see a Gilas Youth team built for more competitiveness and unity under Tenorio aside from international success.

Experience the Action Beyond the Court with OKBet

From a fan’s perspective, Tenorio’s story as a player and as a basketball coach is inspiring for basketball lovers. However, the fun does not have to end in enjoying the games, the Philippines’ premier sports betting website, OKBet awaits the fans who would level up the game.

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