Magnolia’s new era under coach LA Tenorio comes with sweeping changes-and Paul Lee hopes those adjustments finally lead to the end of the team’s seven-year title drought and its reputation as the PBA’s ‘Introvoys.’
‘I hope Coach LA is the answer to those questions,’ Lee said in Filipino as the Hotshots prepare to open their campaign in the PBA’s 50th season against Barangay Ginebra on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum. Since his appointment in late July, Tenorio has wasted no time reshaping the roster, highlighted by the addition of former Terrafirma forward Javi Gomez de Liano.
Lee said the veteran playmaker has also introduced a more deliberate offensive approach compared to the fast-paced, run-and-gun style of former coach Chito Victolero.
‘He’s teaching us to slow down a bit on offense,’ Lee explained. ‘Coach LA wants us to control the tempo and read the situation, instead of always pushing the pace.’ Still, Lee emphasized that Magnolia’s trademark defense-its calling card throughout Victolero’s tenure-remains firmly in place.
‘You have to give Coach Chito credit for instilling that defensive mindset,’ he said. ‘That part has been easier for Coach LA because our defensive sharpness is already there.’
The Hotshots have been bashed as ‘Introvoys’ because of their penchant of starting strong before eventually fading late in the conference.