Cone: Best yet to come

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas is making one history after another despite not reaching full-strength status in its initial run so far.

And coach Tim Cone can’t wait to get all the 12 regulars in active duty as they continue with this journey.

“We haven’t seen our best team yet and yet we’ve been able to beat the No. 6 and the No. 22 (teams). So we’re still trying to see exactly where we can go and how far we can go,” said Cone.

He was referring to the 34th-ranked Nationals’ celebrated 89-80 upset of No. 6 and host Latvia in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament last July and the stellar 93-89 reversal over No. 22 New Zealand in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers last Thursday at the MOA Arena.

Cone’s troops delivered the country’s first win over a European opponent in 60 years at the expense of the Latvians sans ace playmaker Scottie Thompson, athletic wing Jamie Malonzo and defensive big AJ Edu due to injuries.

Thompson returned for the Philippines’ breakthrough against NZ coming off four blowout losses since 2016 but Malonzo and Edu remained in sickbay. Kai Sotto got out of concussion protocol in time for the home gig and dished a brilliant 19-10-7 stat-line.

Cone credits the players’ commitment to the program, which started last February and will run all the way to 2028.

“These guys, they’re not making big money doing this. But they’re coming in here with their hearts – more than their pockets – and they’re giving it all. Kai, poor guy, had to go through two-a-day practices coming off a concussion and still battle through it all.

“And everybody else is doing the same so my hat is really off to the players and what they’re doing to get to this level and get to this point. I think we all should be proud of them,” said the multi-titled Cone.

Assistant coach LA Tenorio believes the takedown of the Tall Blacks will serve the program well.

“There’s a lot of good things happening with this core group – beating Latvia in the OQT and now beating New Zealand for the first time. So you know the future of Philippine basketball is really bright,” said Tenorio, who was also recently appointed Gilas youth head coach.

“’Yung mga ganitong klaseng games, ito ‘yung mas nakakapag-boost ng confidence ng mga players and sa buong team and doon sa sistema, mas nagba-buy-in sila and that’s the most important thing.”