Brownlee, Thompson shocked by LA Tenorio's move to Magnolia

GMA Network

29-07-2025

For the longest time, LA Tenorio stood as one of Barangay Ginebra's icons in the PBA.
His sudden move to take over as Magnolia head coach surprised not only the fans, but also longtime teammates like Justin Brownlee and Scottie Thompson.
The trio played together — and won multiple titles — for several PBA seasons, a stretch that also saw them at the heart of the iconic Manila Clasico rivalry between Ginebra and Magnolia.
But next season, they will find themselves on opposite sides of the court with Tenorio now the lead shot-caller for the Hotshots.
"Actually, I was totally shocked nung narinig ko. 'Di ko alam eh, kasi 'yung pag transition ko sa PBA, si Kuya LA 'yung nag guide sa akin," Thompson, who had been teammates with Tenorio ever since he was drafted back in 2015, said.
"For sure, 'di kami sanay na nandoon siya sa kabila. But gano'n talaga 'yung buhay dito sa PBA, we just have to keep on moving forward."
Resident Ginebra import Justin Brownlee was also stunned, admitting he was surprised to learn that Tenorio, whom he considered a 'second coach' on the court, was taking over for their biggest rival.
"I just heard that and I can't believe that, man. But man, like what I told earlier when I was told of the news, to be honest, my nine years in the Philippines playing for Ginebra, I feel like LA has been my second coach on the floor with obviously, Tim (Cone) and the coaching staff," Brownlee said.
"Obviously, Magnolia is Ginebra's biggest rival and yeah, I can't wait to see what Manila Clasico is gonna be like, especially with LA now on the other side."
—JMB, GMA Integrated News