Coaches Tim Cone and Norman Black will face each other in the Finals for the fifth time in their careers. But this time, the stakes are higher, as they have become vital parts of a budding rivalry between the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and the Meralco Bolts.
“The two best teams are in the [2017 Governor’s Cup] Finals,” lauded Black.
Last year’s edition was a bit lopsided, with the Bolts on the shorter end, as they still lacked experience then. But with all the lessons they have acquired, plus the addition of key pieces, Black is confident they can now emerge triumphant.
“Last year it was a new experience for Meralco to be in the Finals. [But] we’ve had that experience already, so the next step is to win in the Finals,” pointed out Black, who has a 0-4 Finals record against Cone.
“That’s the goal this time around.”
However, the Barangay are hungrier than ever to repeat as champions. And that desire, according to Cone, is fueled by their loss to the San Miguel Beermen in the 2017 Philippine Cup — a series that only lasted for five games.
“We came up short in the All-Filipino versus SMB in the Finals, so hopefully we can use that experience as motivation heading into this one,” said Cone.
“After losing to SMB, we’re very hungry to go out and win this one.”
All eyes are now on the Orangemen and the Gin Kings, and on how the rematch will turn out. But nevertheless, the two multi-titled coaches are expecting a great battle of wits and schemes as they slug it out for the coveted crown.
“I expect this to be a defensive struggle for how many games it will go,” said Black. “A lot has been said between both teams.
“The most important thing is we come out and be very competitive, and come out and win.”
“Meralco is probably the most balanced team out there,” said Cone, on the other hand. “They have size, strength and quickness, so they can play the way they want to play. It will be on us to try and match up with them.
“It will be tough. It will be rough.”
