BARANGAY Ginebra coach Tim Cone expressed the team’s readiness for the semifinal series against NorthPort despite the hectic schedule of the Kings’ core as well as the coaching staff in the Southeast Asian Games.
The Gin Kings resume their bid for the PBA Governors’ Cup crown on Saturday, just four days after their core as well as the coaching staff led by Cone helped Gilas Pilipinas retain the SEA Games gold medal by beating Thailand in the final.
Despite the busy schedule, Cone said the entire team is ready for the semifinals since players who were not part of Gilas practicing while the SEA Games is going on.
Cone credited assistant coach Olsen Racela, who did the work in preparing the rest of the Gin Kings while Cone and Co. were out on national duty.
“For teams in the semis, it seems like a long time between games, but for Ginebra, it seems like a really quick turnaround. Coach Olsen did a great job, however, of keeping the guys sharp and ready during the SEA Games,” said Cone.
Cone also said the Ginebra players who were part of the Gilas SEA Games team are also looking forward to the semifinal series, playing down fears of possible fatigue for LA Tenorio, Stanley Pringle, Japeth Aguilar, and Greg Slaughter.
“Those players who participated in the SEA Games are pumped to get the semis going. I think we will be alright in Game One,” said Cone.
The Gin Kings are looking to secure a return trip to the finals in the Governors’ Cup, a year after they were dislodged by Magnolia in the semifinals last year that ended their bid for a third straight crown in the season-ending conference.

Despite being seeded higher at No. 4 heading to the playoffs, Cone noted the importance of preparing the team well heading into the playoff against an eighth-seed NorthPort fresh from an upset of top-seed NLEX in the quarterfinals.
Ginebra beat San Miguel, 100-97, last November 24 to advance to the semifinals of the Governors’ Cup.
“We know NorthPort is coming in with a lot of confidence and momentum after knocking out the number one seed,” Cone said.
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