Ginebra drops Tenorio to unrestricted free agent list

MANILA, Philippines — Eight-time PBA champion LA Tenorio has been relegated by Barangay Ginebra to the unrestricted free agent list just a day before the Gin Kings return to action against NorthPort in the Philippine Cup.The 40-year-old Tenorio was dropped out of the regular Ginebra roster as coach Tim Cone activated Jason David.The American mentor said the decision to drop Tenorio to the UFAWR2S (meaning, with rights to salary), gives the 10-time PBA All- Star guard more time to prepare the Gilas Pilipinas boys for the coming FIBA Under-16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers slated this coming May 24-30 in Pampanga."Yes, he's going to be busy over the next month due to SEABA, plus we've been trying to find an opportunity to activate Jason David, so it works out for both players," Cone told the Manila Times on Tuesday.Tenorio was named head coach of the Gilas Pilipinas youth team last November by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, succeeding Josh Reyes.The four-time PBA Finals Most Valuable Player easily brings in his vast basketball knowledge and experience to the Gilas youth side, since Tenorio has represented the country in numerous international tournaments, including the 2013 FIBA Asia Cup in Manila, where the Gilas men's team took home the silver, en route to booking a spot in the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Seville, Spain.Cone said once the SEABA tournament is done, they intend to bring Tenorio back to the regular roster.Tenorio has played a total of just seven games in the recent Commissioner's Cup, averaging just 1.4 points, 0.6 rebound and 0.7 assists as Ginebra finished second for the second straight time this season under back-to-back champion TNT.Ginebra is coming off a 104-93 spanking from San Miguel Beer, and will be looking to bounce back with a victory on Wednesday against NorthPort.