Tenorio set for coaching debut for Gilas U16 in SEABA tilt in Pampanga

Newly minted Gilas Pilipinas youth team head coach LA Tenorio is set for his debut in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers in San Fernando, Pampanga on May 24 to 30.

Currently an unrestricted free agent with a right to salary from Ginebra in the PBA, the 40-year-old playmaker is all hands on the team’s preparations especially that expectations are high for the Nationals in the regional tilt.

For one, the Gilas Boys have dominated all of the last five editions, sweeping all of their six games in the tournament that also featured the youth teams of Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

“As of now, we’re practicing everyday and we more or less have a team of 16 and we will be determining the final 12 before the manager’s meeting,” said Tenorio, who is joined by fellow former national team member and Rain or Shine forward Gabe Norwood as part of his staff

“It has been tough because of the availability of the players. It has been a big challenge to get a complete team but the players have been working hard and are completely committed to what we’re trying to do,” he added.

The Gilas Boys take on Vietnam in their opening game on the 24th before facing up against Thailand and Singapore in the next two days. The Nationals take a day break on May 27 before wrapping up their elimination round assignments on the 28th and 29th against Indonesia and Malaysia, respectively.

Top two teams at the end of the eliminations then play the Final Game on May 30.

All of the games will be held at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center.

“We’re happy to have the SEABA Qualifiers here once again,” said SBP Executive Director Erika Dy. “The Philippines also hosted in 2015 in Cagayan De Oro and in 2017 in Quezon City and now we’re excited to work with the Provincial Government of Pampanga, which we all know is one of the hotbeds of basketball in the country.”

“The SBP is honored to be tasked with hosting this event,” added event director Butch Antonio.

“We are deep into our preparations because we want the young athletes to enjoy competing here in the Philippines. We’re thankful to the support of Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda and we’re excited to work with our friends from Pampanga and give all the delegates a competition they will treasure,” he added.

— Reynald I. Magallon