LA Tenorio

Early life

Tenorio started playing basketball when he was 6 years old. No one really saw him play or his potential, but he tried his luck to join a basketball team when he was in grade three at Don Bosco Technical Institute of Makati. He, then in sixth grade, played a nationally televised exhibition game in front of a PBA audience. His team faced the Ateneo Grade School's Small Basketeers Team. Tenorio's team did not win, but he pretty much stole the show, scoring 31 points in only 21 minutes of play.

After his elementary days were over, he first went to Adamson under coach Charlie Dy before eventually transferring to San Beda under legendary bench tactician Ato Badolato. LA became part of a Bedan squad that was rife with future collegiate stars – Magnum Membrere, Arjun Cordero, Toti Almeda, and Jon Jon Tabique. He won a title in his junior year, but finished just third in his last year with the Red Cubs.

College and amateur career

Tenorio made an immediate impact as a rookie for the Blue Eagles of Ateneo de Manila University as he helped lead his team into the 2001 basketball finals of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). He was practically unstoppable in game 3 of the best-of-3 finals series as he scored 30 points against their college rival De La Salle Green Archers. DLSU-Manila however would go on to win that series.

The following year, in 2002, he would once again lead the Ateneo de Manila back to the UAAP finals. This time he and his team would not be denied as they exacted vengeance on DLSU-Manila to win the UAAP Men's Seniors basketball championship.

He would make a third straight finals appearance in 2003 but he and his Blue Eagle team would yield their crown to the veteran Far Eastern University Tamaraws.

He played a total of five seasons with Ateneo de Manila and also graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2006. He played under four college coaches: Joe Lipa, Joel Banal, Sandy Arespacochaga and Norman Black.

After completing his collegiate eligibility he then saw action in the quasi-commercial basketball league of the Philippines, the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) the last stepping stone towards achieving a professional basketball career. In his last PBL Conference he led his Harbour Centre Portmasters team to the 2006 PBL Unity Cup championship, a fitting end to his career as an amateur player.

PBA career

During the 2006 PBA draft, Tenorio was the fourth overall draft pick by the San Miguel Beermen. He played an average of 25.5 minutes for Magnolia with a respectable average of 7.8 points, 4.6 assists and 3.6 rebounds in nine games.

In a surprise move in March 2008, he and Larry Fonacier were traded to the Alaska Aces for Mike Cortez and Ken Bono. The Aces have been happy with the trade as they got a pure point guard in Tenorio to make life easier for Willie Miller who could now concentrate on his scoring.

In the first four games of the 2009–10 PBA Philippine Cup, Tenorio did not disappoint Alaska's expectation. As a starting point guard Tenorio led the Alaska team to a scrambling victory over San Miguel Beer in their first game. In their next three games Tenorio was ever the reliable point guard who led his team to the top of the standings in the PBA.

On August 31, 2012, Tenorio was traded to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in a six-player blockbuster deal. Tenorio was also famous because of his "Pambansang reverse" which is a reverse lay up made him famous in international basketball.

On October 14, 2016, Tenorio was recognized during the PBA Leo Awards Night as he was named to the PBA Mythical Second Team. On October 19, 2016, Tenorio was named as the 2016 PBA Governors' Cup finals Most Valuable Player after averaging 17.2 points, 4.7 assists and 3.8 rebounds against the Meralco Bolts.

On June 12, 2022, Tenorio played in his 700th consecutive game, the most consecutive games played for a PBA player. On December 10, 2022, he made his 1,178th three points field goals made and tied James Yap for third most all time. On March 1, 2023, Tenorio's consecutive games played ended at 744 due to a groin injury.

On September 6, 2025, Tenorio formally announced his retirement as a player. But on December 20, 2025, Tenorio was activated as a playing coach due to the injury of Paul Lee.

PBA career statistics

Season-by-season averages

|- | 62 || 22.3 || .363 || .297 || || .824 || 2.5 || 3.1 || 1.0 || || 8.2

National team career

Tenorio made his name on the final list of the Smart Gilas 2.0 roster. The first tournament of the Gilas were the prestigious 2012 William Jones Cup which was held from August 18–26 in Taipei. Gilas had an impressive 6–1 record, before battling out the USA Team for their last game. Tenorio led the team to beat the USA team 76–75, finishing with 20 points and grabbing the most important rebound of the game. Gilas won the tournament with a 7–1 record, and the 4th championship of the Philippines in the Jones Cup. Tenorio eventually became the tournament's Most Valuable Player after his last performance against the tough USA Team.

Coaching career

While playing for Ginebra, Tenorio joined Bonnie Tan's coaching staff at the Letran Knights starting in NCAA Season 95 (2019). Tenorio coached Letran for four years, then was a part of the coaching staff of the Philippine national team for the 2022 Asian Games under Tim Cone.

Tenorio was appointed by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas as the head coach of the Philippines men's youth teams in November 2024.

Personal life

Tenorio is married to Chesca Bugia, sister of his former Ateneo teammate Paolo Bugia.

On March 21, 2023, Tenorio announced that he was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. He was declared cancer-free in September 2023.

References

References

1. Terrado, Reuben. (2025-07-28). "Alfrancis Chua confirms LA Tenorio now the Magnolia Hotshots coach".
2. (November 17, 2023). "Let it Fly Podcast Ep. 14 {{!}} LA Tenorio is the REAL Iron Man, NSD (w/ Filipino Subtitles)".
3. (August 31, 2012). "PBA: LA Tenorio trade complete, Ginebra taps point guard's services". [[GMA News and Public Affairs]].
4. "PBA Leo Awards 2016 Winners & Nominees (Complete List)". PinoyBoxBreak.
5. "LA Tenorio Named As 2016 PBA Governor's Cup Finals MVP". PinoyBoxBreak.
6. Ramos, Gerry. (June 12, 2022). "'Iron Man' LA Tenorio to be recognized for 700 straight games played".
7. Dioquino, Delfin. (December 10, 2022). "Tenorio moves up in 3-point list as Ginebra turns back NorthPort to reach semis".
8. Ramos, Gerry. (March 1, 2023). "LA Tenorio's amazing 'Ironman' record ends at 744 games".
9. (6 September 2025). "LA Tenorio makes retirement official with heartfelt message". Sports Interactive Network Philippines.
10. (December 20, 2025). "Tenorio all set to be playing coach for Magnolia vs TNT". Sports Interactive Network Philippines.
11. "LA Tenorio Player Profile - PBA-Online.net".
12. "L.A. Tenorio Player Profile - RealGM".
13. (August 26, 2012). "Small guy Tenorio is named Jones Cup MVP". Spin.ph.
14. Olivares, Rick. "LA Tenorio opens up on new gig as Letran assistant coach".
15. Carmen, Lorenzo del. (2023-09-07). "LA Tenorio leads Tim Cone's staff for Asiad".
16. (2024-11-19). "LA Tenorio appointed head coach of Philippine Gilas youth squad".
17. Morales, Luisa. (2020-09-20). "LA Tenorio now a 'girl dad' with newborn daughter". [[The Philippine Star]].
18. Payo, Jasmine W.. (2013-07-09). "LA Tenorio: Small wonder". Lifestyle [[Philippine Daily Inquirer.
19. (March 21, 2023). "LA Tenorio's statement on his PBA absence".
20. (September 19, 2023). "LA Tenorio now cancer-free, says coach Tim Cone". Rappler.