MANILA, Philippines — Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone said yesterday as the game evolves, so too will his team unravel “something new” offensively and defensively with its PBA Governors’ Cup debut set against Alaska at the Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig on Sunday. Now in his fifth decade in the league, Cone said he’s looking forward to an unpredictable conference with lots of roster changes, five “rookie” imports and innovative ways of playing the game.
“It’s like trying to keep up with the Joneses,” he said. “Teams upgraded from the last few drafts. Strong teams got stronger, lesser teams got strong. TNT’s the team to beat, they’re irrepressible. Then there are San Miguel Beer and Magnolia, both big-time teams and Meralco with coach Norman (Black) is always there. I’m impressed with Alaska, they’re well-organized and well-coached. We lost to them in a scrimmage and we play our first game against them. Lots of teams out there can shock people but ultimately, it will depend on how imports fit with their teams. It’s the reason why seven teams are bringing back familiar imports. With quarantine protocols and health restrictions, you’ve got to have foresight if you’re changing imports. It’ll be an exciting and interesting conference.”
Cone said for the first time in two years, Ginebra is back to twice a day practices. “We’re doing nine to 10 practices a week,” he said. “It’s extra work but we’re around each other more, creating chemistry and it makes us closer as a team in times of adversity. I don’t get excited about games because they just give me a bad stomach and a case of nerves. I love going to practice, watching the players grow, seeing them improve, working with young guys like Kent Salado who’s making waves and we’ll try to find time for him on the floor. I’m excited that Justin’s (Brownlee) back, he’s like how Sean Chambers was for Alaska. When Justin comes through the door, it’s like the world’s OK again.”
Cone said he expects Brownlee and Christian Standhardinger to play beautiful music together. “Christian has agreed to a new contract and he’s extremely happy to be with Ginebra,” he said. “He’s never experienced playing before Ginebra fans. In the PBA, no one, maybe except Commissioner Willie (Marcial), wants fans back more than me. We rely on our fans, they’re our weapon. They help us through tough times, lift us when we lack energy. Somehow, you elevate your game when fans are watching.”
A fresh recruit whom Cone said will be a starter is Sidney Onwubere. “He’s versatile, can play three or four, has a big body that if you bump into him, you fly,” said Cone. “He’s a solid 246 pounder. He comes over an hour early to work with coach Kirk (Collier) before report time which is before start time. He’s making good strides. Justin is also versatile and can play from two to five. He allows us to be creative in our lineups.”
Cone said Joe Devance, Jared Dillinger and Aljon Mariano will miss the early part of the conference to recover from injuries. “We’ve got a deep lineup,” he said. “Christian is getting a feel of what we want from him and what he wants from us. Sidney will help. Kent and MJ (Ayaay) are showing good stuff. We’re doing lots of new things, offensively and defensively. I’m a defensive coach but it’s a whole different game now because of the three-point shot, three in the key and as the offense evolves, the defense evolves and sometimes, it’s even cyclical.”