On the eve of his first major PBA event as head coach of Magnolia, LA Tenorio made sure to formally end things with his beloved Ginebra squad.
LA Tenorio broke his silence since being appointed as the new Magnolia head coach to formally bid Ginebra goodbye.
In a post on Instagram, Tenorio penned a heartfelt message to the Gin Kings and their supporters who have been with him through the good and the bad since 2012.
This officially ended his 13-year partnership with the beloved squad that resulted in seven championships.
“After 13 unforgettable years, I am beyond grateful. Sobra ang pasasalamat ko sa buong Barangay Ginebra family,” Tenorio wrote Saturday, Sept. 6.
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The former Ginebra playmaker dubbed as the “GINeral” proceeded to give a shoutout to everyone involved in the team, including San Miguel Corp. boss Ramon S. Ang, Alfrancis Chua and coach Tim Cone.
“Maraming-maraming salamat sa lahat ng masasaya at malulungkot na panahong pinagsamahan natin, on and off the court,” Tenorio went on.
“Hindi ko makalilimutan ang lahat ng alaala natin together — lahat ng sakripisyo, lahat ng tagumpay, lahat ng puso, na hindi sumusuko.”
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Uncertainty surrounded his career after being diagnosed with cancer in 2023.
But the seasoned cager faced his biggest game yet head-on, eager to return to the court again and help the team win another chip.
“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 said.
“All I could 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.”
[ALSO READ: LA Tenorio grateful after SEABA gold, but knows ‘lot of work to be done’]
He did overcome cancer. But the aging playmaker was never the same again.
His only regret, however, is failing to end his stint with the Gin Kings as a PBA champion after they faltered against TNT in two finals last year and succumbed to eventual champion San Miguel in the season-ending Philippine Cup.
“I am forever thankful to the Lord for allowing me to play once again and inspire others. However, given the circumstances, I know it has been a disappointment, and I sympathize with the fans for not seeing a Ginebra championship since January 2023,” Tenorio said.
[ALSO READ: Thompson lauds Ginebra vet Tenorio for heroic Game 6 showing: 'Classic, legend, idol']
But as he moves on and faces a new challenge in a different capacity and squad in Magnolia, Tenorio could breathe a sigh of relief knowing Ginebra is in good hands.
“As much as I would like to believe my work is not done and would love to play for Ginebra, opportunities and circumstances arise. 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,” Tenorio said.
“The Ginebra team is in good hands with its new court leaders, and I have nothing but love for all of them.”