Ginebra sets Inspire camp

MANILA, Philippines — Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone said yesterday he’s taking the team to Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba for a four-day training camp starting Monday to build up for the PBA season which opens with the Commissioner’s Cup tomorrow. Ginebra’s first game is scheduled against Converge at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Nov. 17.

“It’s been over six months since I’ve coached Ginebra and I’m excited to get back into it,” said Cone who yielded the reins to assistant Richard del Rosario during the OnTour summer series. After the FIBA World Cup and Asian Games, Cone took a 13-day trip to the US to visit his two sisters and son. He hadn’t seen his sisters, both in their 70s, in six years and took his son to watch their favorite NFL team Pittsburgh Steelers play the Los Angeles Rams. Cone rejoined Ginebra practice last Monday.

“Guys can’t wait to start playing in the PBA again,” he said, referring to the Commissioner’s Cup where Ginebra is the defending titlist. “We’re a process and system-oriented team. We take it day-by-day, working hard to get better. That’s our focus but our goal is always to win the championship.” Cone said Justin Brownlee is expected to arrive from Los Angeles today. “In Hangzhou, Justin took pain-killing injections straight to his foot every single game and never complained,” he said. “I’d ask before each game how he was. Justin just smiled, saying he’s OK. If it was in the PBA, we would’ve rested him and brought in a replacement. But Justin knew this was for the country. When it was over, I saw his foot was black and blue.”

Cone said there’s still no word from FIBA regarding a decision on Brownlee testing positive for a cannabis compound. Brownlee, meanwhile, will consult with doctors on how long he should rehab to get his foot ready for playing. It may take a few weeks or one to two months. Taking Brownlee’s spot on the roster is Tony Bishop whom Cone described as a winner. “Tony took Meralco to the finals against us and we know what he’s capable of,” said Cone. “Christian (Standhardinger) defended him so closely that he knows what brand of gum he chews.”

Cone said LA Tenorio is back to practice and will likely make his comeback against Terrafirma on Dec. 3. “We’ll miss Miah (Gray) while he recovers from surgery and we’ll also miss Aljon (Mariano) who has a foot issue like Justin,” he said. “Mav (Ahanmisi) gives us versatility, he can be our lead guard, he gets teammates involved, he spreads the floor, he’s deadly in the open court. Von (Pessumal) has been outstanding in practice. Scottie (Thompson), Japeth (Aguilar), Jamie (Malonzo), Christian, Stanley (Pringle), JD (Jared Dillinger), Nards (Pinto), Sidney (Onwubere), Jayson (David), Raymond (Aguilar), LA they’re all back. We like our two rookies Ralph Cu and Don Gumaru. Ralph is like Joe Devance the way he hits the three. Don’s a lights-out shooter who plays tough defense.”

Cone said the influx of “global” imports and introduction of new rules will make the season more interesting. There are five NBA veterans and imports from nine countries. “We’ve adjusted to no player timeouts in international games and the coaching challenge is all about timing, when to call it,” he said. “As for imports, I’ve always felt the best imports aren’t necessarily the most talented. An import who hits 60 takes away his teammates’ offense and will be expected to score 60 every game which is a recipe for disaster. The key is chemistry and that’s why Justin is so effective as a teammate.”