BARANGAY Ginebra coach Tim Cone said the Gin Kings still have a long way to go for them to achieve what San Miguel has done in the PBA in the last few years, despite their victory in the Commissioner’s Cup.
The Gin Kings captured the Commissioner’s Cup title after defeating San Miguel in six games in the battle between two teams in the San Miguel Corporation umbrella. They have now won two of the last three conferences.
During the postgame press conference, Cone was asked on how he felt beating the team that is considered as the flagship of the SMC group, which has three teams under its fold including Magnolia.
Cone, however, stressed that San Miguel is still in a class above all, not just in the SMC fold but also in the PBA, and the Commissioner’s Cup loss of the Beermen will not damper their tag as the best team in the league.
“Obviously, San Miguel was and has been and they are the ones that are out in front of all of us, and of course, they carry the name,” said Cone. “But I think it’s more than just the name. They are out in front of us and they still are up to this point.”
Cone said San Miguel’s loss should be put into proper perspective as the Beermen remain a formidable squad with four-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo, Arwind Santos, Alex Cabagnot, Chris Ross, and Marcio Lassiter in the lineup.
Add Christian Standhardinger to the cast and the Beermen still have one of the most formidable cores in the PBA.
The Beermen are also the winningest team in the league, having captured 25 titles in the PBA. In the past five conferences, San Miguel has won three.
“We have to be honest, they still are the best team out there. We won one championship, but they have won multiple championships. They have won multiple All-Filipinos, so they are the best team,” said Cone.
Cone though said he is happy that, at least on Wednesday and for a little while longer, Ginebra is on top of the PBA mountain.
“But for tonight, for one night at least, we are the best team, I guess, for one night. Tomorrow, they'll be the best team again,” said Cone.
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