MANILA – A new era begins for the fabled Purefoods franchise as LA Tenorio takes over the coaching job for the club currently known as Magnolia.
San Miguel Corporation sports director Alfrancis Chua confirmed on Monday night, July 28, 2025, that the now former Ginebra guard is replacing Chito Victolero as head coach.
“This was planned a month ago,” Chua said, adding that the talks for Tenorio to coach the Hotshots began after the latter led Gilas Pilipinas to the championship in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando City, Pampanga.
Chua added, “LA is just new, but for sure, he’ll be good as a head coach.”
He also confirmed that Victolero, whose contract ends in December, will stay on as team consultant even as Tenorio will be given a free hand in selecting who makes up his coaching staff.
Chua also said that while Tenorio will likely do a full-time role as head coach, the 41-year-old star point guard is not ruling out the possibility of making at least a short-term return to playing.
“He didn’t say that he’s retired. He’s not gonna hang his jersey, but coaching is a very difficult job. Full-time yan, pero malay mo, maisipan nyang may ma-injured na point guard. Paglaruin natin (It’s a full-time job, but who knows? If a point guard gets injured and he considers playing again, we’ll let him play),” Chua further said, adding that he will talk to Tenorio regarding his future career plans.
Chua also confirmed that Jason Webb is stepping in as the new governor of Magnolia on the PBA board, replacing the retiring Rene Pardo.
“Matrabahong bata, very intelligent, at masipag (He’s a workaholic, very intelligent, and diligent kid),” Chua said, describing the characteristics that he saw in the 51-year-old Webb, who became a two-term councilor in his hometown of Parañaque from 2010 to 2016.
The former Tanduay coach added about his former player, “He’s a very good leader.”
Tenorio is expected to conduct his first practice as Hotshots head coach next month ahead of the next PBA Philippine Cup beginning Oct. 5. / PNA