Tim Cone is expected to make a decision on Monday regarding the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ invitation to coach Gilas Pilipinas in the 30th Southeast Asian Games in December here in Manila.
But even on the eve of his decision, the multi-decorated bench strategist said nothing is resolved yet.
“That decision is supposed to be made tomorrow and I have to talk more fully with the powers-that-be,” said Cone on Sunday, moments after steering Ginebra to a 102-83 win over Alaska in their 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup debut.
“I don’t know about any of the mechanics — I don’t know who the pool is, I don’t know where we will practice, I don’t know how many practices we will have, I don’t know who my staff is,” added the two-time Grand Slam winner.
“I don’t even know even if they’re gonna make a firm commitment to me. We still have to talk about the mechanics.”
The federation recently approached Cone following the resignation of Yeng Guiao as the national team’s coach after a winless FIBA World Cup campaign.
Cone also made that invitation publicly known on Saturday. Then just this Sunday, a report surfaced that none other than San Miguel Corp. sports director Al Chua and Ginebra governor has given Cone his full blessing.
“I’m honored obviously that they thought about me. It wasn’t something I went and applied for. Not that I wouldn’t if I knew the applications were out there, but they came to me and I’m really honored and flattered,” Cone said.
Should he become the next Gilas coach, though, Cone said that he will take over the program.
“I understand fully that if I take the position, it’s just a stop-gap position. It’s not commitment to the Gilas head coaching. It’s just the SEA Games is coming in quick, and they want someone to step up and do it,” he said
“So I could very easily be a one-and-done guy. Just go and coach the SEA Games — that’s it.”
But make no mistake, that’s perfectly fine for the 60-year-old tactician. He’s more than willing to step in to give the federation to look for someone willing to preside over the national team program.
“I just wanna repeat, even if I do get the position, I fully realize that it’s just a stop-gap measure at this point. I’m just filling in until they can find the guy they want. And I’m perfectly okay with that,” he said.
“I’ll do what I can to help whatever I can.”
