Reigning Barangay Ginebra San Miguel star LA Tenorio officially becomes the new Gilas Pilipinas Youth head coach, as announced by the later Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas. This announcement is a landmark in Tenorio’s successful basketball career, from a decorated player now to a coach of the future generation of Filipino players.
Tenorio enters the position left vacant by Josh Reyes who resigned in September late this year after the disappointment of the young team in the recent FIBA tours. For the SBP, the decision to appoint Tenorio is learning to draft new changes and direction for the Gilas Pilipinas Youth program.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has appointed LA Tenorio as the Head Coach of Gilas Pilipinas Youth.
— SBP (@officialSBPinc) November 19, 2024
Read more about it here:https://t.co/sKFkMQnw1e#GilasNxtgen pic.twitter.com/epSqi8QOAy
SBP President Al Panlilio underscored the importance of Tenorio’s appointment in a statement, highlighting his experience and leadership qualities.
“The SBP is excited to have a true sportsman and role model in LA Tenorio as our Gilas Pilipinas Youth head coach. He has great relationships with coach Norman Black, who heads our grassroots program, and coach Tim Cone of the elite level, and he will serve as the bridge between the two,” Panlilio said.
The organization welcomes Tenorio to enhance the youth program and boost the junior players' minutes if they plan to proceed to the senior Gilas roster. Panlilio said, “He is proactive and accountable, a natural born leader, as well as a winner in more ways than simple basketball.” He will teach our young athletes lessons they will use not just for basketball, but for life too.”
Tenorio, known as the PBA’s “Iron Man,” has a storied basketball career that exemplifies durability, skill, and leadership. With 744 consecutive games under his belt, before an aggravated sports hernia ended his streak, Tenorio’s nickname reflects his incredible consistency and dedication to the sport.
Throughout his career, Tenorio has achieved:
That he has been able to deliver these feats as an independent player besides being a team player motivates the young athletes.
While Tenorio is still wearing his basketball shoes, his potential as a coach is fairly obvious at the moment. He was an assistant coach for Letran Knights, NCAA, and helped team Gilas under timer Tim Cone for the Asian Games in 2023.
Tenorio expressed both gratitude and surprise at his new role, acknowledging the pressure of succeeding Josh Reyes:
“There is a lot of pressure in the role because I have big shoes to fill. What coach Josh Reyes accomplished by making it to two World Cups is not an easy feat, but I’m excited to work with our young players and help them reach their full potential,” Tenorio said.
Currently, Tenorio has already shared his vision of the youth program specifically aiming at the system utilized by Gilas Pilipinas seniors. He said that he has sat with Tim Cone to ensure that the youth players are fit to make a transition to the national men’s team.
“I already talked to coach Tim, and I will be running a similar system so our youth players can easily transition to the men’s team,” Tenorio added.
This approach ensures that young players not only develop individual skills but also gain familiarity with the strategies and philosophies that define Philippine basketball at the elite level.
Tenorio’s appointment shall be effective at a time when the Gilas Pilipinas Youth team has been struggling in the international territory. The teams’ poor performances in the latest FIBA Youth championships have sparked concerns about the nurture of the talents in the country.
Leadership challenges will be faced by Tenorio as he tries to respond to these problems. since he can motivate players, and also has a lot of experience, he could be the next possible candidate to take the youth team to higher levels.
As much as Tenorio assumes this tall coaching responsibility, his playing career does not come to a standstill because he continues to suit up for the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the PBA. The pinpoint passer and crucial moments specialist Tenorio is not only the player in the formation of the next coach but also the valuable contributor to the team’s success.
Appointing LA Tenorio is a way to try to inject fresh blood into the team and develop a young and enriched talent pool for Filipino basketball. Having demonstrated continuity in performances, leadership, and commitment, Tenorio is best poised to steer the youth program to other greater heights.
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