BARANGAY Ginebra coach Tim Cone expressed support for how Converge counterpart Aldin Ayo addressed an issue involving their import Quincy Miller ahead of their clash on Wednesday in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Cone said Ayo did the right thing in benching Miller after he missed practice before their match against NorthPort last November 20 even as it led to the FiberXers dropping the game, 112-97, and losing a seven-game winning streak.
“I thought he did a great job of addressing that issue,” said Cone on Sunday. “You just can’t have guys miss practices. Practices are sacred. If they are, you need to have repercussions.”
[READ: Quincy Miller benched for missing practice, says Ayo]
Cone’s statement comes after Ginebra and Converge conclude their Commissioner’s Cup eliminations on Wednesday. The two teams are tied at third with an 8-3 record, both still in the frame for a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
Converge lost to NorthPort after Miller was benched for missing practice the day after he celebrated his 30th birthday. Ayo said a team staffer had to go to Miller's place to wake up the import and take him to practice.
Cone said Ayo’s decision was essential to keep discipline among the ranks. He also expects Miller to come out motivated after the benching.
“I think that tells that team that they are going to be on their toes. Discipline is everything in basketball. Discipline is everything in winning basketball [games]. Like I said, I’m fully in his corner on that,” said Cone.
“I’m on his side totally in what he did and I’m sure it’s going to motivate them coming into Wednesday’s game especially Miller himself. He will be motivated to show.”
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