Ginebra found a solution to bring back LA Tenorio into the lineup without compromising Jayson David.
The Kings on Monday reactivated the 40-year-old by dropping Von Pessumal to the unrestricted free agent (UFA) list ahead of the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals, which commence this Wednesday.
Tenorio was relegated to the unrestricted free agent with rights to salary (UFAWR2S) list last April 29 for him to coach Gilas Youth in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025 SEABA Qualifiers which they eventually ruled.
Reactivated in his spot was Jayson David, who had been on their reserve list for quite some time.
The former PBA 3×3 standout suited up a day after being brought back to the lineup and immediately proving his worth, finishing with a career-high 25 points and nine rebounds to star in their 131-106 rout of NorthPort.
It left Coach Tim Cone so impressed that he wanted to keep him in the lineup even when Tenorio became available.
Fast forward to now, and the Barangay finally found an answer to that dilemma as they gear up for the quarters, where the crowd darlings will take on Converge in a clash between the no. 4 and 5 seeds.
Ginebra has the twice-to-beat advantage, which it clinched after beating Rain or Shine on Sunday night, and the champion mentor himself wants his wards to maximize that for a quicker route to the semis.
“We’re just gonna prepare ourselves and try to go out and just win one game,” he said after their 98-80 win.
The FiberXers themselves have also made some minor tweaks to their roster, picking up Gelo Alolino from free agency and activating him by bringing down Kamron Fleming to mark his PBA return after a while.
Alolino last played in the league with the Terrafirma Dyip, a franchise which could be under new ownership soon.
Ginebra and Converge will begin their QF series on Friday, June 20, 7:00 PM at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Meralco, meanwhile, has brought back big man Kyle Pascual into the fold, taking the spot of JP Maguliano.
Fresh off a quarterfinal run in the Basketball Champions League Asia 2025, the Bolts will need all the help they’d need up front as they will take on the twice-to-beat San Miguel in a bid to keep their reign alive.
