CHICAGO - Win or lose, tired and weary, coach Tim Cone usually speaks to a reporter’s microphone
He does so not for the attention. He knows it’s part of his job.
But in the wake of Gilas Pilipinas’ loss to Australia on Monday night, Cone politely begged off.
READ Gilas fades in second half, loses to host Australia by 43
“I’m not ready to answer tough questions at the moment. Need some distance to assess what happened,” he told me via text message.
Understandable.
So, let me do some assessing instead.
BEATDOWN.
Gilas did not belong in the same arena with the Boomers and were quickly chased off the building.
Through a brutal 92-49 bloodbath, the Boomers put into action what words couldn’t do to appropriately articulate the difference between a world-class team and a regional powerhouse.
Their elite defense held Gilas to just 18-of-64 shooting from the field (28 percent) including 4-of-24 from 3, a nasty 16.6 percent).
Here’s the body count.
Juan Gomez de Liano barely got off a shot, just 2-of-3, while Chris Newsome, RJ Abarrientos and June Mar Fajardo combined for 1-of-16 shooting.
Carl Tamayo and KQ went 4-of-17 shooting while the usually reliable Dwight Ramos banged 4-of-16.
SELF-INFLICTED WOUNDS.
Gilas got out-rebounded, 53-44, and had less assists, 18-11. Having 23 turnovers, which the Aussies mined for 30 points, was backbreaking.
Two NBA players, one former and another one who’s current, powered Australia.
NBL regular Bryce Cotton tallied 21 points on an efficient 7-of-12 shooting that showcased five made 3s.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Tyrese Proctor flaunted his Duke pedigree with an all-around fare of 16 points, four rebounds and four assists.
Long story short, the Aussies were simply better, which is why they’re ranked sixth and Gilas is 36.
Cone Tim was right to mute an interview. There really isn’t much to talk about.
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