MANILA, Philippines— It was LA Tenorio who asked to be played on the unrestricted PBA free agent list this month due to his duties as head mentor for Gilas Pilipinas Youth, Ginebra coach Tim Cone said.

After Ginebra’s dominant 131-106 win over Northport on Wednesday, Cone thoroughly explained how Tenorio’s relegation as a reserve player came to be.

READ: LA Tenorio named new Gilas Youth coach with ‘continuity’ in mind

“He just felt that he couldn’t miss practices for our games. He was actually the one who came up to me,” said Cone,  also the coach of the Gilas Pilipinas men’s team. “[Tenorio] asked if I want to put somebody on [the lineup] while he comes off as a reserve because he won’t be able to play games this month.”

The move paves the way for Tenorio to focus his time Gilas Youth’s campaign for the Fiba U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers happening in a few weeks.

LA Tenorio at the bench for Gilas Pilipinas during the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“He’s going to be busy for at least a month because he’s almost practicing without the high school kids, who have school during the day.”

“He’s going to be practicing from 6-9 every evening, plus they’ll have a work trip/camp in Pampanga.”

In place of Tenorio, Ginebra activated Jayson David, who finished with 25 points and nine rebounds in the Gin Kings’ dub over Northport.

Cone, however, made it clear that once Tenorio’s Batang Gilas duties end after the U16 ACQ, he will be back in the 12-man lineup.