LA Tenorio makes Gilas Youth coaching debut in FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA qualifiers

MANILA, Philippines, May 11 ------ Highly touted Gilas Pilipinas Youth mentor LA Tenorio will be making his coaching debut in the upcoming FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA qualifiers. 

Tenorio, 40, was named head coach of the team last November. He reportedly chose to be relegated to unrestricted free agency in the PBA to focus on Gilas Youth duties. The hoops veteran acknowledged some challenges ahead of the tourney, but asserted that they have been "working hard and are completely committed to what we’re trying to do." “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. “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 FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA qualifiers will be played at home in the City of San Fernando in Pampanga from May 24 to 30 at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center. The Philippines has swept all five editions of the competition where Gilas Pilipinas Youth has also gone undefeated in all matches. Six teams will be joining the tournament as the Philippines hosts Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. “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 SEABA Qualifiers have been used as a springboard for some of the country’s young talent to launch their careers. Arvin Tolentino shined the brightest in the first ever edition in 2011. Kobe Paras, Jolo Mendoza, and the Nieto brothers led the team in 2013. 2015 saw the likes of SJ Belangel, Juan Gomez de Liano, and Will Gozum. 

Kai Sotto stamped his class at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum in 2017. The tournament was not held throughout the pandemic but it finally got rolling again in 2023 where Kieffer Alas was simply undeniable. “The SBP is honored to be tasked with hosting this event,” said 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.” 

Gilas Pilipinas Youth will first take on Vietnam on May 24 at 7:30 PM for the opening day. Thailand will be their next challenge on May 25 and then Singapore on May 26. There will be a rest day on May 27 before Gilas faces Indonesia and Malaysia on back to back days. The Final game will be on Friday, May 30, where the first and second ranked teams will lock horns. All Gilas games after the opener will be played at 7:00pm. 

Source: news.abs-cbn.com