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Tim Cone To Revamp Gilas Pilipinas For Upcoming Asian Games
Photo credit: PBA
Tim Cone has returned to lead Gilas Pilipinas as interim coach, focusing on assembling a squad for the forthcoming Asian Games in China.
Cone believes that ball movement and a strong defensive mindset will be key to facing opponents from the Middle East, including Jordan, and powerhouses in East Asia like Japan, Korea, and host China. He stated, "We're gonna be focused on ball movement. We're going to make sure the ball moves; that's going to be crucial for us."
In addition to ball movement, Cone is determined to make defense a cornerstone of the team's strategy. He said, "We're going to be very defensive-oriented. I think that's going to be our edge in the Asian Games. We're not going to try to outscore a team like Japan...we're looking for guys who are two-way players."
Unlike his previous stint as head coach during the 1998 Asian Games, Cone will rely solely on PBA players, as Gilas mainstays from the Japan and Korean leagues are unavailable. Notable players like June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Scottie Thompson, RR Pogoy, Calvin Oftana, and Chris Newsome, along with naturalized imports Justin Brownlee and Ange Koaume, are expected to form the core of the team.
Cone is also considering PBA stars who were not part of the World Cup campaign, including standout Mikey Williams. He emphasized the importance of assembling the best available players to create the strongest possible team.
Cone is set to form a 12-man roster that will commence training on Monday, gearing up for the Asian Games scheduled from September 23 to October 8 in China.
Cone believes that ball movement and a strong defensive mindset will be key to facing opponents from the Middle East, including Jordan, and powerhouses in East Asia like Japan, Korea, and host China. He stated, "We're gonna be focused on ball movement. We're going to make sure the ball moves; that's going to be crucial for us."
In addition to ball movement, Cone is determined to make defense a cornerstone of the team's strategy. He said, "We're going to be very defensive-oriented. I think that's going to be our edge in the Asian Games. We're not going to try to outscore a team like Japan...we're looking for guys who are two-way players."
Unlike his previous stint as head coach during the 1998 Asian Games, Cone will rely solely on PBA players, as Gilas mainstays from the Japan and Korean leagues are unavailable. Notable players like June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Scottie Thompson, RR Pogoy, Calvin Oftana, and Chris Newsome, along with naturalized imports Justin Brownlee and Ange Koaume, are expected to form the core of the team.
Cone is also considering PBA stars who were not part of the World Cup campaign, including standout Mikey Williams. He emphasized the importance of assembling the best available players to create the strongest possible team.
Cone is set to form a 12-man roster that will commence training on Monday, gearing up for the Asian Games scheduled from September 23 to October 8 in China.
Sep 8, 2023
