TIM CONE SHOWS NO SIGNS OF STRESS

(UPDATE) TIM Cone is confident that Barangay Ginebra's focus for the coming PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup won't be affected even though his mind is now fixed at preparing for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.

Cone noted that he's got his assistant coaches to take care of the initial semifinal preparations for the Gin Kings, who will face the top seed NorthPort Batang Pier starting on Feb. 26.

"I've got a staff. We can review videos when we're over there if there's any free time," said Cone, who started Gilas' brief training camp at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.

Joining Cone in Laguna are his key Ginebra deputy Richard del Rosario, who serves as Gilas' team manager, along with Gin Kings import and naturalized player Justin Brownlee, Scottie Thompson, Jamie Malonzo and Troy Rosario.

Veteran Japeth Aguilar showed up in the training camp but will stay behind and not join the three friendly games in Doha set to start this Friday due to "personal matters."

Cone said for the time being, Ginebra assistant coaches Olsen Racela, along with Kirk Collier and Jamil Lipae, are in charge of their NorthPort semifinal series preparation.

The American mentor said Ginebra will continue its practice in preparation for the semifinal series, with Aguilar also working out with the team.

"Then he'll meet us in Taiwan," said Cone of Aguilar. "And then, Scottie, Justin, Jamie and Troy will all be with us through the whole trip, and Richard and I will be there, and Patrick [Partosa]. So it takes half the staff away," he added.

Gilas plays Taiwan on Feb. 20 followed by New Zealand on Feb. 23 in a pair of two away games to close the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.

While several members of the Ginebra squad will be dividing their attention for Gilas and the Gin Kings' semifinal preparation, Cone knows they will just try to find a way to balance the tension.

"We will figure a way. I don't fear that. Preparing for more than a week or two weeks is too long," Cone said.

Ginebra reached the Final Four after beating Meralco, 94-87, in their sudden death Game 3 quarterfinal series last Sunday.

2025-02-12T16:19:11Z