Tenorio as player, coach?

MANILA, Philippines — Will LA Tenorio do a Robert Jaworski with Magnolia?

Not yet officially retired from hooping, Tenorio raised the possibility of him serving double duties of player-coach a la “Big J” at some point in his maiden stint as Hotshots coach in PBA Season 50.

“I’m part of the lineup, I’m on the injury list so may chance. We’ll see, it depends on management but for now, I’m not focused on that. But my rights are with Magnolia now,” he said during yesterday’s PBA Media Day.

The 41-year-old Tenorio revealed he’s taking part in Magnolia’s scrimmages from time to time. Just yesterday morning, he actually played with his charges in their session before heading to the pre-opening activity in Quezon City.

“It’s going be a hard decision for me (if ever), syempre magko-coach ako at the same time maglalaro. I think there’s only one person who can do that and it’s coach Sonny (Jaworski). Syempre high respect tayo sa kanya. Now, kung magagawa ko, why not? We’ll see, we’ll, see,” he said.

His charges feel that given Tenorio’s conditioning, it’s doable.

“I’ve seen he can still go,” said wingman Zav Lucero.

“If they can somehow make it work with coaching and whatnot, by all means. He’s still one of the best and smartest players we have in the PBA, you want him on the floor with you. And if there’s a guy that’s fit to do it, it’s coach LA,” he added.