Quick Read
- LA Tenorio publicly defended Jerom Lastimosa after the guard bypassed a drawn-up play during a 101-98 loss.
- Lastimosa recorded 18 points and nine rebounds, serving as the primary catalyst for Magnolia’s fourth-quarter comeback.
- Tenorio framed the tactical error as a learning opportunity, signaling a long-term development strategy for the sophomore guard.
MANILA (Azat TV) – Magnolia Hotshots head coach LA Tenorio has publicly maintained his support for sophomore guard Jerom Lastimosa following a high-stakes tactical deviation during the team’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup opener against the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. With Magnolia trailing by four points in the closing seconds, Lastimosa opted to attempt a game-tying four-pointer instead of executing the quick-two play drawn up by Tenorio, ultimately missing the shot and sealing a 101-98 defeat.
Tactical friction in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup
The incident occurred with only 17 seconds remaining on the clock. Tenorio had utilized his final timeout to design a specific sequence: a quick basket to narrow the deficit followed by a tactical foul to stop the clock. Instead, Lastimosa took the initiative to shoot from distance. Despite the failed execution, Tenorio, 41, emphasized that he does not intend to reprimand the young guard for his confidence, viewing the error as an essential component of his professional development.
Evaluating the sophomore guard’s performance
Prior to the final possession, Lastimosa had been the primary engine of the Magnolia offense. He finished the contest with 18 points on 7-of-11 shooting, alongside nine rebounds and four assists. His performance in the fourth quarter was critical, as he fueled a comeback effort that saw the Hotshots erase a 13-point deficit to trail by only two points with under a minute remaining. Tenorio acknowledged this contribution, noting that Lastimosa was the reason the team remained in contention during the final minutes.
Long-term development over immediate results
Tenorio stated that he will not question the decision-making process of his player, noting that the guard felt the shot was there and chose to take the risk. Looking ahead, the coach indicated that he intends to use the sequence as a teaching moment rather than a disciplinary one. He suggested that as Lastimosa gains more experience in high-leverage situations, his ability to read the game and adhere to play calls in late-clock scenarios will mature naturally. According to Spin.ph, the coach remains committed to allowing his players the autonomy to learn from such high-pressure failures.
The decision by Tenorio to publicly back his player demonstrates a deliberate coaching philosophy prioritizing player growth over short-term accountability, signaling that the organization is willing to trade early-season wins for the long-term tactical development of its core rotation.