Tim Cone, coach of the Philippine men’s basketball team, gives pointers to Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, Calvin Abueva, and Terrence Romeo during a training session. Meanwhile, the women’s team practices in the background.
With the Asian Games just days away, Tim Cone can breathe a little easier. He already has his 12-man roster set, and even the alternate at No. 13 is excited to represent the Philippines in the basketball competition. “Motivation is not a concern; they are highly motivated,” Cone stated during an open workout with both the men’s and women’s teams at PhilSports Arena.
Underneath the surface, Cone has no reason to worry about filling the coaching spot left by Chot Reyes. During the public training day, fans flocked to the Barangay Ginebra coach, eager to take selfies with the coach who holds the record for most championships won in the Philippine Basketball Association. One spectator named Angelo Fabie said, “It’s not against coach Reyes, but it’s important for coach Tim Cone to establish his own brand of coaching compared to coach Chot.”
Fan opinion was divided during Reyes’ tenure as national coach, with negativity reaching its peak during the World Cup. Reyes has since stepped down and revealed the struggles the national team faced in preparing for the tournament. So far, fans are cautiously optimistic about Cone, not placing the same high expectations on him as they did with the World Cup squad. One fan named John Francis Capoon said, “Professionally, Cone has proved himself already. With his experience as Chot’s assistant coach and his status as the winningest coach in Philippine basketball, there should be smooth continuity.” Another fan, Fabio Ontong Jr., said, “Tim Cone is our winningest coach in Philippine basketball, so there shouldn’t be any issues.”
Cone has kept mum about the team’s prospects, but he believes they are mentally prepared to compete for a medal. “Everyone is available and eager to be here. The team’s biggest strength is their excitement to represent the country and play against China, Korea, Bahrain, and Jordan,” Cone shared.
Several holdovers from the FIBA World Cup squad, including June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, and Roger Pogoy, were present at the open practice. Calvin Abueva, Terrence Romeo, Jason Perkins, Calvin Oftana, Chris Newsome, and Justin Brownlee also participated. Scottie Thompson, Mo Tautuaa, Ange Kouame, and Stanley Pringle were absent from the event. However, Pringle continues to practice with the team as an alternate. Cone explained, “Stanley is our 13th player in case of emergencies. He has sacrificed his spot to be here and train with us, despite not having a guaranteed spot.”
The Asian Games will commence on September 23, with the men’s team beginning their quest for a medal against Bahrain on the 26th.
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