TIM Cone, the winningest coach in the PBA, has accepted the daunting task of guiding the Philippine five in its bid to regain cage glory in Asia.
Cone was officially named yesterday as the Gilas Pilipinas interim coach for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou kicking off in less than three weeks.
“I joined the World Cup team (because) aside from the obvious (reason) of giving back to the country, it was, number one, to serve my friend who was the head coach, Chot Reyes,” Cone said yesterday during a press conference held by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and the PBA.
“And number two, I wanted to have that experience and growth of being part of the World Cup. So, it was really a growth experience for me as well.
“But given the time frame, only two weeks before we play, when coach Al (Chua) spoke to me, we needed someone right now. I talked to Chot (Reyes), and he gave me his blessing. He told me he thought I was the best guy for the job so that’s given me a lot of confidence,” he added.
Reyes “stepped” aside after Gilas completed its FIBA World Cup stint with a 1-4 record.
Cone, 65, was joined in the press conference by SBP President Al Panlilio, San Miguel Corp. sports director Alfrancis Chua, pro league Commissioner Willie Marcial, chairman Ricky Vargas of TNT and vice chairman Bobby Rosale of Terrafirma.
Chua will serve as team manager, with Marcial taking the deputy role.
Joining Cone as assistant coaches are Richard Del Rosario, Jong Uichico, Josh Reyes, and LA Tenorio.
Cone and his brain trust are still forming the Gilas five for the Asiad, where the Philippines last won the gold medal in 1962 in Jakarta.
“I have no idea at this point. We’re looking truly at just 12 players,” Cone said. “We’re about eight or nine deep right now. We don’t have a firm 12 right now.”
Cone steered the Centennial Team to a bronze medal in the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok.
The nationals are set to hit the ground running on Monday, Sept. 11, at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba.
Chua said the likes of naturalized forward Justin Brownlee, reigning MVP Scottie Thompson, June Mar Fajardo, and Japeth Aguilar are shoo-ins, while other members of the World Cup squad have the inside track.
Bracketed in Group C, the Filipino cagers open their bid against Bahrain on Sept. 26.
Jordan, which is likely to field reigning PBA Governors’ Cup best import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson as naturalized player, and Thailand complete Gilas’ group.
The likes of Dwight Ramos, Kai Sotto, AJ Edu, and Kiefer Ravena will not suit for Gilas in the Asian Games since they will begin reporting back to their ball clubs in the Japan B. League.
Gilas, whose core was made up of Rain or Shine and bolstered by Jordan Clarkson under strategist Yeng Guiao, wound up fifth in the last Asian Games in Jakarta five years ago.
