Winning start for head coach LA Tenorio as Gilas Pilipinas Youth pummeled Vietnam in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers.
LA Tenorio’s head coaching debut with the Gilas Pilipinas Youth came with nerves, laughter, and ultimately, a convincing win.
Gilas Youth shook off a shaky start to crush Vietnam, 113-62, in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers on Saturday, giving Tenorio a triumphant start to his coaching career after being appointed in November 2024.
“Halatang bagito ba? Nag-panic agad,” Tenorio joked, recalling the early timeout he had to call after Vietnam started strong.
But the young Filipinos settled in quickly and turned the game into a blowout, securing the home victory.
“Para akong varsity player uli,” added the PBA legend and former Ateneo Blue Eagle.
“It was a learning process — for the boys and myself. We all will need to learn from our mistakes.”
Tenorio, who was released to free agency by Ginebra to focus on the SEABA campaign, now looks to steer the promising squad through the rest of the regional qualifiers with composure and growth—both for his players and himself.
Gilas Youth will take on Thailand on Sunday, followed by a game against Singapore on Monday to complete the initial trifecta.
The Philippines will then have a one day break before facing Indonesia on Wednesday, and Malaysia on Thursday.
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]