Cone as Gilas coach: Count me out

MANILA, Philippines — Tim Cone’s mind is on Barangay Ginebra, not Gilas Pilipinas’ coaching job.

Cone swiftly shot down suggestions of him taking over the national team’s reins after Chot Reyes announced that he is “stepping aside” at the end of the FIBA World Cup.

“With Ginebra returning to practice in a week, I’m really looking forward to getting back with the guys (Gin Kings),” the multi-titled mentor said in a message to The STAR. “Hopefully, LA (Tenorio) will be back in harness after his treatment.”

The Gin Kings are preparing to launch a determined quest to wrest back the PBA Governors’ Cup crown in the coming season after surrendering the jewel to the TNT Tropang Giga in the last tournament.

Cone served as Reyes’ assistant in whipping Gilas into shape and plotting their strategies against tough opponents in the WC.

The Nationals dropped their three assignments in the first round against the Dominican Republic, Angola and Italy and lost their Classification Phase opening game versus South Sudan.

But saving the best for last, the Filipino cagers pulled it off at the expense of China, 96-75, in a game that Reyes said was his Gilas swan song.

As the hoops-crazy citizenry expressed its preference or potential replacement, Cone was quick to say, “Count me out.”

“Now with Chot stepping down, my focus is solely with Ginebra. I’d be happy to help Gilas in any support role but I’m not interested in taking over for Chot,” said Cone.