Two weeks after his appointment as the new head coach of Magnolia, LA Tenorio held his first practice with the Hotshots in preparation for PBA Season 50 in October.
The LA Tenorio era at Magnolia officially began on Monday, August 11, as the eight-time PBA champion led his first practice as head coach of the Hotshots.
An Instagram Story shared on the team’s official account showed Tenorio addressing his players after the session, with newly appointed team governor Jason Webb and assistant coaches Paul Sorongon and Itoy Esguerra by his side.
Paul Lee, Jerom Lastimosa, and Peter Alfaro were also in the picture, reflecting a mix of familiar faces and fresh energy that hints at the direction Magnolia could take under its new coach.
It’s been two weeks since Tenorio’s coaching transition to the PBA was made official, with confirmation coming from SMC Sports Director Alfrancis Chua las July 28.
[ALSO READ: Official: LA Tenorio takes over as Magnolia Hotshots head coach from Chito Victolero]
Tenorio takes over from Chito Victolero, who led the Hotshots for nine seasons and delivered the 2018 Governors’ Cup title.
Since then, Magnolia has often found itself on the cusp of success but falling short, including a tough quarterfinals loss to eventual finalist TNT in the 2025 Philippine Cup, despite holding a twice-to-beat advantage.
[ALSO READ: TNT holds on to Grand Slam dream, shows Magnolia exit door in PBA Philippine Cup quarters]
As a player, the 41-year-old playmaker won eight championships, one Best Player of the Conference award, and four Finals MVP citations during his illustrious 19-year PBA career.
Tenorio arrived at Magnolia with momentum from the international stage, where he guided the Gilas Youth to the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers glory last May in Pampanga. He also served as one of the assistants for head coach Tim Cone in the latter part of his Barangay Ginebra tenure.
[ALSO READ: Gilas Youth coach LA Tenorio on FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers win: 'We're more ready']
Now, the task is clear: guide Magnolia back to the top and end a seven-year title drought as the PBA celebrates its milestone 50th season this October.