Cone takes charge at Gilas

MANILA, Philippines — Coach Tim Cone, the chief architect of Gilas Pilipinas’ gutsy rise back to the Asian Games summit after 61 long years, will be in charge of the Nationals’ program moving forward.

And unlike the buildup to the Asiad, the multi-titled Cone will have all the pieces and resources he needs to sustain Gilas’ gains.

“Coach Tim accomplished what has not been done in decades with only a few weeks to prepare and multiple challenges in terms of personnel 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,” Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio said in announcing Cone’s appointment yesterday.

Along with Cone, the SBP tapped his long-time assistant, Richard del Rosario, as team manager.

“I’m looking forward to taking on the role of national team head coach again,” said Cone, who will be on his fourth tour of duty after being in charge of the bronze-winning Centennial team in the 1998 Asiad, the victorious squad of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in Manila and the golden boys of the Hangzhou Asian Games.

“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.”

The PBA’s winningest coach with 25 titles selected his best 12 to make up the Gilas core.

From the PBA, he listed Scottie Thompson, Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, CJ Perez, Jamie Malonzo and June Mar Fajardo; from the Japanese B-League Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo and Kai Sotto; and from the UAAP Kevin Quiambao. Joining the 11 locals is naturalized player Justin Brownlee, pending FIBA’s decision on his eligibility.

Cone will have to go to work immediately with Gilas set to compete in the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in about three weeks. The Nationals will face Hong Kong on Feb. 22 at the Tsuen Wan Stadium and Chinese Taipei on Feb. 25 at the PhilSports Arena.

The Pinoy dribblers will then vie in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament from July 2 to 7 in Latvia.