Cone's Ginebra-laden Gilas pool draws mixed reactions

Many understand Cone's decision to deploy mostly his own players
Sep 26, 2019

Earlier today, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) unveiled the 15-man Gilas Pilipinas pool for the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

Two things stood out from the updated list: six players from national team head coach Tim Cone's PBA squad Ginebra were included, and the initial plan to field rookie pros and college ballers was scrapped altogether — for lack of preparation time.

The Gilas tactician explained that it would be more practical to go with a core group that is familiar with the system and just reinforce it.

"Our apologies to the young guns CJ Perez, Robert Bolick, Terrence Romeo, Bobby Ray Parks. Needless to say, your time is coming very soon," Cone said. "For the amateurs, we didn't want to disrupt the ongoing UAAP and NCAA seasons at this time."

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He also assured that the SBP will release a player pool for the long term after the SEA Games.

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    The announcement was met with mixed — mostly positive — reactions on social media, from prominent local sports personalities to hoops junkies.

    Former PBA commissioner Noli Eala vouched for Cone on Twitter, but made one suggestion: "Totally approve of the pool of players selected by @manilacone Coach Tim for SEAG. Would have added perhaps only one player — @ray1parks — because of his familiarity with the possible opponents who he already faced in the ABL. Regardless this team is a juggernaut.

    "Except in 1979 and 1989, the Philippines has won the last 17 of 19 SEAG Basketball golds. So frankly lets not overthink or overreact to the players who were selected to the pool or even our chances of success. This is so different from the Asian level or the WC."

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    Ex-Gilas coach Chot Reyes, who can relate to how hard the decision-making must have been, was supportive of his fellow mentor.

    Some were visibly disappointed about the sudden cut of collegiate standouts Kobe Paras, Ricci Rivero, Isaac Go, Justine Baltazar, Juan Gomez de Liano, Dave Ildefonso, and Thirdy Ravena.

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    Others understood Cone's choice to deploy mostly his own players from Ginebra and prioritize chemistry over youth for the one-and-done stint. After all, we saw what happened to a ragtag squad in the Fiba World Cup.

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    In the end, fans still have a sense that change needs to be done in the men's national basketball team program.

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