Tim Cone once again made history on Wednesday evening.
Besides winning his 23rd PBA championship in the form of the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup, the 62-year-old mentor also steered Ginebra to its 13th championship.
It was also another feat as he became the winningest head coach in the 41-year history of the franchise after winning his fifth crown with Ginebra.
Cone also guided Ginebra to the 2016 Governors’, 2017 Governors’, 2018 Commissioner’s, and 2019 Governors’ Cups. He has surpassed the great Sonny Jaworski, who steered Ginebra to the 1986 Open, 1988 All-Filipino, 1991 First Conference, and 1997 Commissioner’s Cup titles.
Other coaches who won championships with Ginebra were Siot Tanquingcen and Jong Uichico with two apiece.
Upon learning about milestone, the American tactician made sure to pay tribute to his predecessors.
“Oh really? I didn’t even know that. I had no idea that was happening. Wow, what an achievement. Just to be mentioned with the greats, like Baby Dalupan and Sonny Jaworski, it just gives me goosebumps to be mentioned in those names.
“I’ve been fortunate to have that opportunity. I’ve been fortunate to have relationships with both of them after they stopped coaching. And again, just to be a part of that is an amazing experience,” he expressed.
Cone only took five years to notch the feat, while Jaworski needed 14 long years to win four crowns.
But for Cone, being Ginebra is still a dream of his as it took 26 long years for him before he could coach the league’s most popular team.
“I never would have thought that I would even be in Ginebra and be around the fans and hear all the comments and the adulation of Sonny Jaworski. Even now, it’s just amazing,” said Cone, who made stops in Alaska and Purefoods before getting to Ginebra.
“And he was an amazing charismatic guy and coach, and to be mentioned with him is truly an honor. Truly.”
