THE PBA fans coming back in the games live is certainly a breath of fresh air for Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone.
While the Kings no doubt have the most number of fan base, Cone believes the team is not the only one which will benefit with the return of live audience, but more so the level of competition as well.
"The level of play will go up, it doesn't matter how many fans are in there, it's gonna go up because that's what we play for," said Cone, who turned another leaf last December 14.
Ginebra began its title defense of the Governors' Cup with an 80-77 comeback win against Alaska without its legion of fans yet in the stands, with resident import Justin Brownlee leading the way in the game which Alaska controlled for the most part.
Brownlee, who finished with a game-high 28 points and had four rebounds and four assists, is expected to get even better, according to Cone, once he began hearing the cheers of Ginebra fans live.
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"I don't think anybody plays better for the fans than this guy right here," said Cone, pointing to Brownlee, who was sitting just beside him during the post-game interview.
"When he has the fans back, he's like unbelievable."
Cone said the return of fans will definitely a big boost to the Kings' bid to retain their title, but in general, he's just happy for the league having its so-called 'sixth man' back and enjoying the games again.
"Obviously for Ginebra, we're the most excited, but I tell you, everyone to a person in the PBA is excited about this," added the champion coach. (RG)
