The past few days have been rough for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and its legions of diehard fans. First, franchise icon and inspiration LA Tenorio was shipped to the Magnolia Hotshots, where he’ll replace Chito Victolero as head tactician. Then, from seemingly out of the blue, the team lost Jamie Malonzo, who signed with the Japan B.League’s Kyoto Hannaryz in a move very few anticipated.
Both moves are certainly painful to varying degrees and not just for sentimental reasons. They hurt because they have a big impact on Ginebra basketball and the team’s chances at contending for PBA titles. They’re a pain in the behind because Ginebra losses the following:
LA Tenorio’s Leadership
While he rarely plays, Tenorio was still a respected voice within Ginebra, and he was always active on the sidelines as basically another assistant coach. Players looked up to him, listened to him, and sought him out for advice and guidance. And in those rare times he took the floor, he was always cool, calm, and under control—and with a mastery of the moment. He knew when to call his number or when to step back. He knew when to shoot and when to pass. In short, he just knew how to play the game.
LA Tenorio’s Mentorship
If you’re molding your point guard of the future—RJ Abarrientos in the case of Ginebra—having one of local hoops’ greatest court generals definitely helps. A few more conferences picking Tenorio’s brain would’ve helped accelerate Abarrientos’s development, especially under a precise system that demands discipline and a certain way of playing. Scottie Thompson, good as he is, isn’t really on Tinyente’s level as a point god yet. Neither are Nards Pinto and Maverick Ahanmisi.
LA Tenorio’s Magic “Bunot-ability”
Again, Tenorio rarely played. But he was always ready, and more often than not, he’d do something positive whenever Tim Cone called his number. Last time he did this was in Game 6 of Ginebra’s semis showdown versus the San Miguel Beermen, whom he torched with a magical fourth quarter that included the game-winning triple down the stretch. He wasn’t always magical when he took the floor, but he rarely was a liability even with his advancing age and dwindling minutes.
Jamie Malonzo’s Versatility
Love him or hate him, Jamie Malonzo is still 6-foot-7 with above-average athleticism and decent enough shooting, and his height, heft, and athletic ability allows him to play both wing positions with relative ease. In extreme cases, he could play the 5 for short stretches without giving up much ceiling. This versatility gave Cone different positional configurations to either match up with opponents or dictate how games will be played out. At the very least, he was insurance in case either of Japeth Aguilar or Troy Rosario got into foul trouble early. That’s gone now with Malonzo Japan-bound.
Jamie Malonzo’s Youth and Athleticism
Just as crucial, Malonzo, at 29 years young and in the prime of his athletic powers, was one of two players whom Ginebra could say was their future—the other being Abarrientos. With Malonzo gone, Ginebra lost not only a young-ish forward who has his prime years ahead of him, but also the team’s most athletic player. That leaves Abarrientos; 28-year-olds Jeremiah Gray, Jayson David, and Ralph Cu; and 29-year-old Ben Adamos as the only Ginebra players under 30. None of them, unfortunely, have the physical attributes and athletic tools of a Malonzo.
A Final Word
Indeed, losing two vital cogs to what had the makings of a championship puzzle hurts. One was a calming, steadying presence who could come in cold and impact a game, any game. The other is athletic, 6-foot-7, in-his-prime wing who could do damage in many different ways. But what’s done is done, and if history is any indication, Ginebra team manager Al Chua won’t stand idly after the departures of LA Tenorio and Jamie Malonzo.
That at least is a silver lining and something to look forward to. Ginebra fans, though, could be an unforgiving bunch, and whoever comes in will looked upon to help deliver for the Barangay some lofty results: championships. LA Tenorio delivered several for Team NSD, while Jamie Malonzo was a stud in the Gins’ last title, when they beat the Bay Area Dragons in the 2022–2023 Commissioner’s Cup.
It’s a long way of saying Tenorio and Malonzo left big shoes to fill.
