Tim Cone unfazed as Gilas Pilipinas heads to Asian Games off blowout losses
MANILA, Philippines – A pair of blowout losses do not bode well for Gilas Pilipinas’ title defense prospects in the Asian Games, but head coach Tim Cone played down growing fears.
Instead, Cone shouldered the blame after the Philippines fell to South Korea by an average of 26.5 points in their two tune-up games, which formed part of both teams’ preparations for the quadrennial showpiece to be hosted in Nagoya, Japan.
The visiting Filipinos first absorbed an 81-55 defeat to the Koreans on Friday, September 4, then suffered a 69-42 rout on Sunday, September 6.
“We obviously couldn’t approach their level of execution and knowledge of each other,” Cone said of Korea. “These losses weren’t on the players, [they were] on us as a coaching staff.”
Cohesion continues to be a work in progress as almost half of this national team features multiple Gilas Pilipinas first-timers, including Adrian Nocum, Sedrick Barefield, Jerrick Ahanmisi, Zavier Lucero, and Brandon Bates.
The limited preparation time is also a factor, as the Nationals have only been together for around two weeks.
Moreover, the squad remains without Justin Brownlee, the hero of the 2023 championship crew, as the naturalized star has yet to confirm his Asian Games participation owing to injuries that have kept him out of action for over a month.
“We haven’t figured out how to best use the skills of our guys…yet. But me and our staff will be better, and we’ll be better in helping our players prepare for what’s ahead,” said Cone.
For Cone, his wards will have their chance to answer back when it counts.
“No need to panic,” he said.
Bunched in Group C, the Philippines will open its title-retention bid against Bahrain on Friday, September 11, before it tangles with Kazakhstan and China on September 12 and 14, respectively.
The Filipinos need a top-two finish for a sure spot in the quarterfinals. – Rappler.com
