MANILA — TerraFirma and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel's clash in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup last Sunday not only saw the Dyip pull off an upset against the crowd darlings.

It also served as a mini-reunion for some of the protagonists, as former Letran assistant coach LA Tenorio went head-to-head with some of his players from the Intramuros-based squad: Tommy Olivario, Louie Sangalang, and Allen Mina.

READ: Tenorio wants to see sense of urgency from slumping Gin Kings

"Oo nga eh, coach nga [tawag] sakin," said the Ginebra floor general after the game as he acknowledged playing against the former Knights. "Nagulangan ko daw sila. Sabi ko, ganun talaga," he quipped.

The quartet shares a long history in the NCAA. Tenorio, Olivario, and Sangalang were a part of Letran's three-peat squads from Seasons 95-98, while Mina joined the trio in the first two of those three.

That is why LA relished sharing the court with his former players, saying that it was a blessing to now see them compete in the PBA.

"Well, honestly, I'm very happy and very proud of them," said Tenorio.

"It's a blessing for me na makalaban sila. Nag-uusap nga kami sa loob na mga pamangkin ko na 'yung kalaban ko," he added.

"But I'm really happy for them. Seeing them play in the PBA, nakaka-proud din. Nahawakan ko sila, diba? Tatlong championships kami doon sa Letran so I'm very happy for them. Especially now, they're playing well. Not only individually, but nakaka-blend sila sa team."

Ginebra point guard LA Tenorio used to be part of the Letran Knights' coaching staff. Photo courtesy of The LANCE-Letran

Alongside the trio, Fran Yu, Larry Muyang, Jerrick Balanza, King Caralipio, Jeo Ambohot, and Brent Paraiso are the former players of Tenorio in Letran who have active contracts in the PBA.

But for Tenorio, making the PBA is just the first step of the journey. That is why he is challenging them to achieve more. 

"Ang advice ko lang sa kanila, the goal is not really just to play in the PBA," shared the former Gilas Pilipinas star.

"I always tell them, the goal is not only to play in the PBA. Kailangan pag nasa PBA ka na, ang goal mo is yung haba ng career. Hopefully, magdere-deretso [sila]," he ended.

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