TIM Cone can easily commiserate with Norman Black.
Cone recalled how he also had a hard time forming a team in the days leading up to the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China two years ago as a couple of Gilas players were deemed ineligible by meet organizers.
Black faces the same dilemma right now as a number of players were likewise not allowed to play for the country by the Thailand SEA Games Organizing Committee.
READ Gilas 3x3 survives fright from Malaysia, stays unbeaten in SEAG
Among the major casualties were naturalized player Justin Brownlee, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Remy Martin, Mike Philips, and yes, Poy Erram.
Looking at the scenario had Cone realizing going through the same motion in 2023.
“It’s just like us in the Asian Games. We couldn’t get the players that we wanted. So it was really magulo going to the last two or three days before we left,” said the Barangay Ginebra coach, who failed to bring along pool members Terrence Romeo, Calvin Abueva. Jason Perkins, and Mo Tautuaa back then.
Instead of getting frustrated, Cone and his Gilas team competed with added fire.
“I think that just motivated us and got us playing,” he said.
Everybody knows what happened after that.
Gilas made it to the quarterfinals where it beat Iran by a single point to advance. In the semis, the Filipinos rallied from 20-points down to stun China at home, and then turned back Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Jordan in the finals to finally end a 61-year-old basketball gold medal drought for the country.
“We thought we were the underdogs, so we have that underdog mentality. And we took that all the way to the gold medal,” said Cone.
“We had no expectations when we went to the Asian Games.”
The SEA Games is a different game and Cone knows it.
“There’s always expectations to the Southeast Asian Games because it’s something that we have dominated. But we’ve also always brought strong teams,” said Cone.
Black only had the benefit to train and practice the team for 10 days, but didn’t get the chance to have his full roster until six days before departure.
Making the team that left for Bangkok on Thursday are Robert Bolick, Dalph Panopio, Abu Tratter, Jamie Malonzo, Justin Chua, Ray Parks, Thirdy Ravena, Matthew Wright, Von Pessumal and college players Allen Liwag, Cedric Manzano, and VJ Pre.
“I think the only one they’re going to lack is size, so it’s really going to be interesting to see how Norman plays with this group,” noted Cone. “I think it’s going to be fun and exciting. It’s going to be a spread out, they’re going to go up and down the floor.”
The Ginebra coach is hoping for nothing but the best for Black and his team.
“I wished Norman well. And I hope he does really well out there,” said Cone. “I feel a little guilty because I’m not coaching it because you know I’m the ‘Gilas’ coach. But I’m also happy to hand it to Norman and give him this opportunity.”
Gilas Pilipinas kicks off its title retention bid on Sunday when it takes on Malaysia at 11:30 a.m.
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