LA Tenorio has officially signed off from Barangay Ginebra.
The veteran court general penned an emotional message to the Gin Kings, thanking his coaches, teammates, management, and utility staff after being named Magnolia’s new head coach last July.
Tenorio expressed his gratitude to the franchise that served as his home as a player for the past 13 years, where he collected multiple championships and cemented his legacy as one of the PBA’s finest guards.
"19 years playing in the PBA, 13 years with Ginebra, I don't even know where or how to begin," Tenorio said in a lengthy post on Instagram Saturday.
"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.’”
The 41-year-old Tenorio joined Ginebra in 2012 after he was involved in a blockbuster five-player trade that sent him to the Gin Kings from Alaska.
With the Ginebra franchise, Tenorio further rose as one of the premier guards in the league, helping the Gin Kings capture seven titles, including three Governors' Cup crowns.
In his second to the last game wearing a Ginebra jersey, he drilled a game-winning triple that allowed the squad to drag San Miguel to a Game 7 during the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semifinals.
They, however, fell short in the decider with the Beermen eking out a 100-93 victory to advance to the finals.
A few weeks later, he was named the new head coach of Magnolia, replacing Chito Victolero at the helm as he leads the rebirth of the Hotshots.
Still, Tenorio said part of his heart remains with Ginebra, even as he now finds himself on the other side of the storied rivalry with Magnolia.
"Sa aking bagong chapter, bilang coach, I will continue to give my best and serve the game I love. Ang pagiging parte ng PBA family ay mananatili. This is not goodbye," Tenorio, a four-time Finals MVP, added
"Paalam sa jersey, pero hindi sa puso."
Tenorio also thanked the ever-loyal Ginebra fans, who have been their fuel in their 'Never Say Die' mantra.
"To all the fans - Barangay Ginebra, the best fans in the world-maraming salamat sa inyo! Hindi ko mararating kung nasaan man ako ngayon kung hindi dahil sa pagmamahal at suporta niyo," Tenorio said.
