LA Tenorio will continue to play in the PBA.
Despite taking the helm of the Gilas Pilipinas Youth program, the PBA Iron Man admitted on Thursday, November 21, that he still has no plans to retire as a professional basketball player.
"I will play pa. Maglalaro pa ako sa PBA kasi once a year lang naman yung liga," Tenorio told reporters after the 93-89 win of Gilas Pilipinas against New Zealand at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
"Haven't thought about (retirement) but we will see," he added.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas announced on Tuesday, November 19, the appointment of Tenorio as head coach of the Gilas Pilipinas Youth program.
Tenorio succeeds Coach Josh Reyes who stepped down from the position last September.
The eight-time PBA champion said that he has 'big shoes to fill in' since the Gilas Pilipinas Boys qualified in two FIBA World Cups under Reyes.
While pressured, Tenorio said that he also feel excited about his new role.
"Looking forward to be head coach and excited kung ano yung mangyayari. I think, the bottomline for me, is I'm not thinking right away about winning or getting into the position we want to," Tenorio remarked.
"The bottomline is really to develop a lot of younger players and future Gilas Pilipinas bench players," he stressed.
