TIM Cone, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas said, has been a key addition to Gilas Pilipinas and it has been evident during the build-up for the fourth window of the Fiba Basketball World Cup Asia qualifiers.
SBP executive director and spokesperson Sonny Barrios said the presence of Barangay Ginebra's head coach has been vital to the preparation for the two matches against Lebanon and Saudi Arabia where NBA cager Jordan Clarkson is set to play for Gilas Pilipinas.
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“Si Tim Cone, ineemphasize ‘yung defense sa team,” said Barrios. “Ang sinasabi niya, if each of you are responsible for your assignment sa defense, then team defense will work. It takes one guy not to do his job on defense and there will be a crack on the defense. Ineemphasize ni Tim mabuti ‘yun.”
Tim Cone is also working with the group on scouting.
Gilas faces Lebanon on Thursday in Beirut (Friday, Manila time), and Saudi Arabia on Monday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Cone will be with the squad handled by Chot Reyes until the Fiba Basketball World Cup in 2023.
Defense will definitely play a role in Gilas’ chances of winning against Lebanon, which is coming off a runner-up finish in the Fiba Asia Cup.
One of the players to watch is Wael Arakji, who led the team in scoring with 15.5 points during the Asia qualifiers. Arakji was also averaging 26 points per contest during the Fiba Asia Cup in Jakarta.
Barrios said Gilas has been already in the stage of scouting Lebanon players for the match with Cone being one of those on top of it.
“They were talking about specific Lebanese players and how they will treat these key players. Again, si Coach Tim, sa depensa,” said Barrios.
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