THE PBA’s winningest coach will try to weave his magic anew at the helm of Gilas Pilipinas.
Ginebra tactician Tim Cone was officially named yesterday by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas as the strategist of the Philippine five.
Cone’s impressive stint when he guided Gilas to a historic gold medal in the Hangzhou Asian Games last year clinched for him the job.
“Coach Tim accomplished what has not been done in decades with only a few weeks to prepare and multiple challenges in terms of personnel,” SBP President Al Panlilio said. “So, we’re excited to see what he can accomplish with a long-term program in place especially if such a program is supported by all basketball stakeholders.”
Added SBP executive director Erika Dy: “Earlier this month, coach Tim presented his plans to local leagues from which players will likely be selected from. This program will be put to the test this year and adjustments will be made as necessary.”
Cone tapped pro league stars Scottie Thompson, Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, CJ Perez, Jamie Malonzo, and June Mar Fajardo in the national team training pool along with Japanese B.League imports Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo, and Kai Sotto and UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao.
Justin Brownlee will take the naturalized player spot, pending FIBA’s decision regarding his eligibility in coming tournaments.
Joining Cone is Richard Del Rosario as team manager.
“I’m looking forward to taking on the role of national team head coach again,” Cone, who has 25 titles and two grand slams in the PBA, said. “I’ve always firmly believed from back in 1998 when I coached the Centennial Team that you’ve got to go out and get the best players in the country to represent us. We all have different opinions on who the best players are but we’re confident we picked the best players who will form the best team.”
The Nationals will kick off their bid in the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers on the road against Hong Kong on Feb. 22 and will take on Chinese Taipei three days later at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
The second round of the qualifiers is set for Nov. 21 and Nov. 24.
Gilas wound up with a 1-4 slate under former strategist Chot Reyes for 24th in the 32-team field in the last World Cup that the Philippines co-hosted with Japan and Indonesia.
The Filipino cagers will also face a daunting task–seemingly a Mission Impossible–to gain a berth to the Paris Olympics.
The Philippines is bracketed with host and world No. 8 Latvia, and No. 23 Georgia in Group A in the Olympic qualifying tournament.
The 38th-ranked Gilas side must finish in the top two of its group to advance to the crossover semifinals against the top two of Group B, which includes No. 12 Brazil, No. 17 Montenegro, and No. 67 Cameroon.
The winners of the crossover semis will clash for the lone slot to the Olympics in that tilt.
The OQT will be held through four tourneys to be held simultaneously from July 2 to 7 in the cities of Piraeus, Riga, San Juan, and Valencia.
