TIM Cone returns on the saddle of the Philippine men's team after being named Gilas head coach for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
Cone was formally presented in a joint presser by the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) on Thursday, barely two weeks before the quadrennial meet officially kicks off on Sept. 23.
This will be Cone's second shot at the Asiad, having served as coach of the PH Centennial Team that bagged the bronze medal in the 1998 edition of the quadrennial meet in Bangkok, Thailand.
A lot of prodding however, had to be made to convince Cone, 65, on taking the coaching job left vacant following the decision of Chot Reyes to step aside from the post at the conclusion of Gilas Pilipinas' campaign in the FIBA World Cup.
But with San Miguel Corporation (SMC) CEO and president Ramon S. Ang the one persuading him to accept it for flag and country, Cone agreed to take on the tough task ahead.
Sponsored content: "We're gonna kind of have to form a new team and get two weeks to go out and do it. But the key is again, I've got great backing behind me," said Cone, referring to SMC sports director Alfrancis Chua and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al S. Panlilio, who sat in between the two top basketball officials during the presentation at the PBA Office in Libis.
Cone won't be having at least half of the team that competed in the World Cup specifically the players seeing action in the Japan B. League and the Korean Basketball League (KBL).
"So that's six or seven players out there that we'll try to replace," he said as Kiefer Ravena, Dwight Ramos, Kai Sotto, AJ Edu, Rhenz Abando, and NBA star Jordan Clarkson are out of the lineup.
Cone however, wouldn't announced yet the 12 players who will make up his team that is set to start practicing by Monday next week.
Chua, also board of governor of Barangay Ginebra, is going to be on Cone's side as Gilas team manager while PBA commissioner Willie Marcial serves as deputy team manager.
Sponsored content: Comprising Cone's coaching staff are Richard Del Rosario, Jong Uichico, Josh Reyes, and LA Tenorio.
Cone though made it clear he'll just serve as Gilas coach on an interim basis.
"After the Asian Games, the SBP will have time to really explore and figure out the direction they want to go," said the veteran coach, who also steered Gilas to the gold medal during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in Manila.
Joining Cone during the presser were Chua, Panlilio, Marcial, PBA Board chairman Ricky Vargas, vice chairman Bobby Rosales, treasure Atty. Raymond Zorilla, and governors Eric Arejola, Robert Non, Atty. Bill Pamintuan, Siliman Sy, Archen Cayabyab, Rene Pardo, and Atty. Mamerto Mondragon.(RG)
