After days of speculation, Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone has disclosed that he has been in communication with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas regarding the position of head coach of Gilas Pilipinas for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
“I’ve been in conversation with SBP President Al Panlilio regarding the SEA Games Head Coaching position for basketball.
“I know that Mr. Panlilio and my boss, Alfrancis Chua, have also had discussions regarding the position,” said Cone in a text message to the members of the press
Days after the 2019 FIBA World Cup, Yeng Guiao — whom the SBP appointed as both head coach and program director of the Gilas Men’s program — stepped down from his position after the Philippines fell to last place in the global meet.
Now just two months before the SEA Games hosted by the country, the SBP has been scrambling to find a suitable replacement. Cone has been the consensus choice of everyone from the SBP and its stakeholders.
Cone is first focusing on his task at hand before commencing talks with the SBP brass, though. Ginebra’s debut game in the Governors’ Cup is against Alaska on Sunday.
“At this time, however, my total focus is on our Ginebra game vs Alaska tomorrow to open the Governor’s Cup.”
The Philippines is looking to win its 18th gold in the regional meet. Meanwhile, Cone, a 21-time PBA champion coach, last mentored a national team back in 1998.
Knowing the stress and immense pressure that comes with coaching the national team, Cone looks to first consult his family before making a decision.
“On Monday and after talking to my family, Mr. Panlilio and I will continue our conversation regarding the appointment, at which time we will come to a resolution.”
