By ADRIAN STEWART CO
MANILA – LA Tenorio, one of the Philippine Basketball Association’s most iconic guards, has called time on his 19-year playing career and will now transition to a head coaching role with the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots.
The 41-year-old, who spent the last 13 seasons as Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s floor general, confirmed his retirement in an emotional announcement on social media, where he also recalled his battle with cancer and the dream of returning to help Ginebra contend for another title.
“19 years playing in the PBA, 13 years with Ginebra, I don’t even know where or how to begin,” Tenorio said. “It was just yesterday I was battling cancer, and I remember saying in March 2023, ‘I have given not only 17 full years to the PBA, but have dedicated my whole life to basketball. I have committed my body and health for the love of the game. It has been my passion and love.’”
Tenorio admitted he once hoped to step back on the floor and lead Ginebra to another championship. “All I can think of then, was getting well and touching a basketball once again. I always imagined myself wearing my Ginebra jersey and being called again to the court—to lead the team I love and belong to, hopefully to a Championship,” he added.
Instead, the Nasugbu, Batangas native is opening a new chapter as a coach. “With the utmost trust and love of the San Miguel management, my family and I believe it is best to take this opportunity and step into this next chapter of my life in the world of basketball—coaching,” he said. “So, from the bottom of my heart… after 13 unforgettable years, I am beyond grateful. Sobra ang pasasalamat ko sa buong Barangay Ginebra family.”
Tenorio entered the league in 2006 with the San Miguel Beermen before moving to Alaska, where he won his first PBA title. In 2012, he joined Ginebra, becoming its Iron Man until his streak ended in March 2023 due to injury and a subsequent stage 3 colon cancer diagnosis.
Over nearly two decades, Tenorio collected eight PBA championships and cemented his legacy as one of the league’s most durable and respected leaders. Beyond Magnolia, he has served as an assistant coach with Ginebra and Gilas Pilipinas Men, and as head coach of the Gilas Youth team./PN
