After nearly two decades of excellence, LA Tenorio has officially closed the chapter on his playing career in the PBA. On September 6, 2025, the veteran guard announced his retirement through a heartfelt message, a moment that stirred deep emotions across the basketball community. His words carried both gratitude and nostalgia, leaving fans with a reminder that while jerseys fade, legacies remain.

Tenorio’s career is nothing short of legendary. Spending 19 years in the PBA, with 13 of those proudly wearing the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel colors, he cemented himself as one of the greatest point guards the league has ever seen. He was a floor general, a fierce competitor, and a steady leader who guided Ginebra to multiple championships, including seven league titles and several Finals MVP honors. But beyond the accolades, it was his embodiment of the “Never Say Die” spirit that made him an icon.

In his farewell, Tenorio uttered a line that will surely be remembered by fans for years to come: “Paalam sa jersey, pero hindi sa puso.” This simple yet powerful message reflects his undying connection to Ginebra and the game itself. For him, retirement does not mean turning away from basketball—it only marks a new way of serving the sport he loves.

His journey to this moment has been filled with triumphs and trials. Just a couple of years ago, he bravely battled cancer, showing the same resilience off the court that defined his style of play on it. Through it all, he remained an inspiration to his teammates, coaches, and supporters. In his retirement message, Tenorio extended his gratitude to Coach Tim Cone, the San Miguel management, his teammates, and the loyal Barangay Ginebra fans whom he called “the best in the world.”

Although he has stepped away from playing, Tenorio is far from leaving basketball. In fact, his transition is already underway as he embraces a new role as head coach of the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots. The same leadership and court vision that made him a remarkable point guard are expected to shape his coaching career. He assured fans that Ginebra is in good hands with its current leaders, while also affirming that his passion for the game remains stronger than ever.

LA Tenorio’s retirement is not simply an end—it is a continuation of his story in a different light. His career reminds us that greatness is not measured only by numbers or trophies, but by the ability to inspire, to persevere, and to carry the love of the game wherever life leads. True to his words, this is not a goodbye; it is a heartfelt passing of the torch from player to mentor.