LA Tenorio at the Milcu Sports Got Skills Basketball U16 Talent Identification Program. Handout photo

MANILA -- Gilas Pilipinas icon LA Tenorio is already busy in his new role as the coach of the country's national youth team.

The Barangay Ginebra stalwart got an assist from the Milcu Sports Got Skills Basketball U16 Talent Identification Program, as he was able to scout potential players for Batang Gilas.

The five-day event, organized by tournament and clinic director Allen Ricardo at the Greenhills West Clubhouse in San Juan, gathered 16 teams from different provinces in the country as they competed at a high level.

"Actually halos everyday akong ando'n. Maraming talents, actually, nakakatuwa and I'm excited," Tenorio said.

"I know that there's more talent outside that league. Actually, medyo I have an idea na kung sino ang i-invite kasi 'yung tryouts ko by invitation, hindi siya open. So I talked to high school coaches sa mga universities and colleges. So nagpa-plano na ako."

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The 40-year-old Tenorio shared he's eyeing to launch a complete lineup come March as he juggles his hectic work with Barangay Ginebra in the PBA and being the new shot caller for Gilas Youth. 

Events like Milcu Sports Got Skills U16 Talent ID, according to him, is a big help. 

"Malaking bagay itong Milcu to be honest. I'm hoping na mas maraming pang gano'n kasi sa sobrang dami, hindi kayang i-accommodate lahat. So hopefully for the next years to come, mas marami pang gano'ng klaseng programs," the former Gilas Men standout added.

"And maybe, we'll never know, baka ako na mismo mag-organize with the help of the coaching staff and the SBP and some of the high school coaches. Kami na 'yung mag-o-organize para mas mapadali na rin."

"It's not for me e, it's really the future of Philippines basketball so hopefully, mas mapalawak pa."

Plenty of names have turned heads during the event with the likes of Rowie Cabañero, Andwele Cabañero, Sky Jazul, Francis Rosales, LJ Pascual, Carl Delos Reyes, and Neil Garcia putting on impressive showings for their respective teams. 

Even Tenorio was in awe of how talented the players are, given their age group. 

"To be honest, nagulat ako sa talent sa gano'ng age bracket na under-16 and hindi pa lahat 'yun," he said.