Marc Pingris expressed his full support for coach Tim Cone as the decorated bench strategist could possibly become Gilas Pilipinas’ chief mentor for the upcoming Southeast Asian Games.
Cone stated on Saturday that he is currently in talks with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas for the coaching gig. He will come up with a decision on Monday.
Should he say yes, it will mark Cone’s first time to coach a Philippine team since the 1998 Asian Games.
“One-hundred percent suportado ako kay coach Tim,” said Pingris, himself one of the best to don the national team jersey.
“Magaling naman na coach yan eh. Napatunayan na niya yun, no doubt.”
Pingris definitely knows who he’s supporting, though. Cone had coached Pingris during his time with the Purefoods from 2011 to 2015. Back then, they enjoyed numerous titles together, including a Grand Slam feat in 2014.
Cone has always been known for using the triangle offense. And there’s no denying that system has paid its dividends, as shown by his 21 PBA championships and counting.
Asked if the triangle will work on the global stage — a question many have raised given the game’s evolution — Pingris said they should also give it a try.
But for the 37-year-old forward, there is more than just the system to be installed. For Pingris, what really matters the most is giving the national team enough time to prepare.
It became clear that lack of preparation brings nothing good when an under-prepared Gilas went to the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China and failed to win in the five games it played there.
“Try din nila. Ang sa akin lang talaga, more defense and mas maganda siguro yung mag-practice sila ng matagalan, and makipag-tuneup games sila sa ibang bansa,” the outspoken Pingris said.
“Kasi mahirap talaga kapag isang buwan lang yung preparation — sobrang hirap. Kahit sinong coach ilagay mo diyan, sobrang hirap yon. So naintindihan ko yung ibang mga coach na sobrang naba-bash. Sobrang hirap naman talaga ng pinagdadaanan nila dahil maikli lang yung panahon na pinagsamahan ng mga player eh,” Pingris added.
“Kailangan talaga nila diyan, yung mga practice at tune-up games… Siguro mga three months para magkakilala mga player kasi iba-ibang talent yan mga yan eh. Kailangan maging solid sila.”
