Coach LA Tenorio Admits His System is a 'Carbon Copy' of Coach Tim Cone's: A Glimpse into the Gilas Youth Blueprint

Image by SBP Official FB Page

In a candid and humble revelation, Gilas Pilipinas Youth head coach LA Tenorio acknowledged that the coaching system he is implementing with the national U16 team is heavily influenced—almost identically so—by the structure and principles of multi-titled mentor Coach Tim Cone.

Tenorio, who played under Cone during his storied PBA career with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, was quick to credit the winning formula instilled in him by the league’s most decorated coach. Cone, known for his triangle offense and emphasis on discipline, player accountability, and game tempo, has clearly left a lasting imprint on Tenorio—not just as a player, but now as a rising coach.

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The Tim Cone Legacy, Through LA Tenorio

Tim Cone’s name is synonymous with championship basketball in the Philippines. With over 20 PBA titles and a legacy of grooming players and staff into future leaders, it’s no surprise that Tenorio—one of Cone’s most trusted court generals—has adopted the same approach.

The Gilas Youth team, under Tenorio’s guidance in the ongoing SEABA U16 Championship, has displayed a level of poise, structure, and basketball IQ that goes beyond their age. Observers have noted the disciplined spacing, deliberate offensive schemes, and emphasis on execution during clutch situations—all hallmarks of a Cone-coached team.

This system is not only winning games; it’s shaping the mindset and habits of the next generation of Filipino basketball stars.

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A System Built for the Future

By emulating Cone’s blueprint, Tenorio is not merely borrowing strategies—he’s laying the groundwork for a consistent, sustainable system that can transition players from youth level to the senior national team seamlessly.

“The goal,” Tenorio added, “is not just to win now, but to prepare them for what comes next—college, the PBA, or even the senior Gilas team. And I think this system gives them that foundation.”

As the Gilas Youth team continues its campaign in the SEABA Championship, the influence of both Coach LA Tenorio and Coach Tim Cone is unmistakable. From the sidelines to the hardwood, the fusion of mentorship, experience, and structure is shaping what could be the next golden generation of Philippine basketball.

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