Magnolia may be off to a slow start this conference, but veteran guard LA Tenorio is keeping things in perspective.

After three straight losses, the Hotshots are still searching for their first win. While the early record has raised some concern, Tenorio believes it’s too soon to panic. Instead, he’s encouraging his younger teammates to stay patient and continue trusting the system they are building.

“It’s not the start we wanted, but we’re not going to let it define us,” Tenorio said. “There’s still a lot of basketball left to play.”

Magnolia’s struggles have come from a mix of factors. At times, the team has shown promise—moving the ball well, creating scoring opportunities, and competing on defense. However, those strong stretches have not lasted long enough to carry them through an entire game.

That inconsistency has been the biggest challenge so far.

For Tenorio, though, it’s part of the learning process, especially for a roster that includes several younger players stepping into bigger roles. He understands that development takes time and that mistakes are inevitable along the way.

“You can’t rush growth,” he explained. “The important thing is that we learn from each game and keep improving.”

Throughout the early part of the conference, Tenorio has embraced his role as a leader. Whether during games or in practice, he has been vocal in guiding his teammates, helping them stay focused even when things are not going their way.

His approach has been steady and composed—qualities that have defined his career.

Rather than dwelling on the losses, Tenorio has been reminding the team to concentrate on the small details. Better execution, smarter decisions, and stronger communication are areas he believes will make a difference moving forward.

“We just need to clean things up,” he said. “It’s about doing the little things right.”

Despite the 0–3 record, there have been signs that Magnolia is capable of competing. In each game, the Hotshots have had moments where they looked in control, only to lose momentum due to missed opportunities or defensive lapses.

Tenorio believes those issues can be fixed.

“We’ve had chances,” he said. “We just haven’t been able to finish. That’s something we can work on.”

For the younger players, the current situation is a test of both skill and mindset. Learning how to handle pressure, especially during a losing stretch, is part of becoming a more complete player. Tenorio has been reminding them to stay confident and not let frustration take over.

“It’s easy to get discouraged,” he admitted. “But that’s when you have to stay strong mentally.”

The coaching staff has also emphasized patience, focusing on long-term improvement rather than short-term results. Practices have remained structured and focused, with an emphasis on correcting mistakes and building team chemistry.

Tenorio supports that approach, believing that consistency in preparation will eventually translate into better performances on the court.

“Everything we’re doing now will pay off,” he said. “We just have to stick with it.”

For a team with a history of competitiveness, the slow start is not ideal. However, Tenorio is confident that Magnolia has the pieces to turn things around.

The key, he says, is staying united.

“No one’s pointing fingers,” Tenorio shared. “We’re all in this together.”

As the conference continues, Magnolia will look to break into the win column and regain momentum. While the road ahead won’t be easy, the team remains focused on improving step by step.

For Tenorio, the message remains simple: stay patient, trust the process, and keep working.

The wins may not have come yet, but with time, discipline, and belief, the Hotshots are hoping their situation will change.