LA Tenorio coaches Magnolia, shifts Manila Clasico rivalry

Former Barangay Ginebra player LA Tenorio will be coaching Magnolia in the upcoming PBA Season 50, marking a significant shift in Manila Clasico rivalries.

Tenorio leaves Ginebra after a highly successful 12-season run with the club to join Magnolia as head coach, expressing mixed feelings from his former teammates who are happy for him yet sad about his departure.

Japeth Aguilar, who has played alongside Tenorio for nearly two decades, finds it hard to imagine competing against him but remains supportive of his new venture.

Justin Brownlee, a long-time Ginebra teammate and champion, considers Tenorio a second coach and is excited to see how the rivalry will unfold under these circumstances.

Scottie Thompson, who took over as one of the best players in the league under Tenorio's mentorship, regrets that his run with the franchise ended without winning another championship last season.

Rookie RJ Abarrientos expresses pride for Tenorio and acknowledges the unique opportunity to learn from him before he turned to coaching.