By REYNALD MAGALLON
Gilas Pilipinas will need more size inside the paint and another reliable shooter.
That was the assessment of Gilas assistant coach Tim Cone after the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers.
While the games against Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, which the nationals split, gave a glimpse of what the core of the Gilas could do in a limited time of preparations, Cone pointed out that a pair of outside and inside threats could have helped the Filipinos to put on a far better performance.
June Mar Fajardo and Matthew Wright fit the bill according to Cone. The multi-titled mentor in the PBA said the two would be a potent addition to a team that has Jordan Clarkson, Kai Sotto and Dwight Ramos.
“If June Mar had been on that team then you know, hands down that would have given us a definite post presence that we could have gone to,” said the champion coach during an interview with Radyo 5’s Power and Play with Kom Noli Eala on Saturday, Sept. 3.
“I don’t think there was anyone on the Lebanese team that could have handled June Mar down low. Whether June Mar could dominate against a Serbian team or a US team, that’s another question, but again, at the Asian level, playing against Lebanon, I think he would have dominated,” Cone said of the six-time PBA MVP who was part of the initial 23-man pool but was deemed unavailable after the Beermen reached the Philippine Cup Finals.
As the opposing teams try to clog the paint with Fajardo’s presence, an additional shooter would be beneficial for Gilas and that’s where a guy like Wright comes in.
“I think adding a shooter or two like Matthew Wright, would be ideal if that’s possible. We asked Matthew if he could come play with us but he was unavailable at this time. But obviously he said he’s available for other ones. Another shooter on the floor would be nice,” shared Cone.
For the veteran mentor, however, more than the addition of a few more pieces, keeping the team intact, both the players and coaches, with less than a year now from the World Cup will be key for the national team.
“I think there’s just no doubt in my mind we can dominate in Asia with this team as long as we can stay intact and continue to grow,” said Cone.
“That’s always the question for us. Can we stay intact and continue to grow as a group? Because we’re always making chances here and there. New coaches, new systems, new whatever. And I’ve always felt like it really doesn’t matter who coaches,” he furthered.
“It’s about keeping that coach there for a period of time so the system can grow and get to a higher level.”
Gilas needs Fajardo, Wright for more height, shooting – Cone
By REYNALD MAGALLON
Gilas Pilipinas will need more size inside the paint and another reliable shooter.
That was the assessment of Gilas assistant coach Tim Cone after the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers.
While the games against Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, which the nationals split, gave a glimpse of what the core of the Gilas could do in a limited time of preparations, Cone pointed out that a pair of outside and inside threats could have helped the Filipinos to put on a far better performance.
June Mar Fajardo and Matthew Wright fit the bill according to Cone. The multi-titled mentor in the PBA said the two would be a potent addition to a team that has Jordan Clarkson, Kai Sotto and Dwight Ramos.
“If June Mar had been on that team then you know, hands down that would have given us a definite post presence that we could have gone to,” said the champion coach during an interview with Radyo 5’s Power and Play with Kom Noli Eala on Saturday, Sept. 3.
“I don’t think there was anyone on the Lebanese team that could have handled June Mar down low. Whether June Mar could dominate against a Serbian team or a US team, that’s another question, but again, at the Asian level, playing against Lebanon, I think he would have dominated,” Cone said of the six-time PBA MVP who was part of the initial 23-man pool but was deemed unavailable after the Beermen reached the Philippine Cup Finals.
As the opposing teams try to clog the paint with Fajardo’s presence, an additional shooter would be beneficial for Gilas and that’s where a guy like Wright comes in.
“I think adding a shooter or two like Matthew Wright, would be ideal if that’s possible. We asked Matthew if he could come play with us but he was unavailable at this time. But obviously he said he’s available for other ones. Another shooter on the floor would be nice,” shared Cone.
For the veteran mentor, however, more than the addition of a few more pieces, keeping the team intact, both the players and coaches, with less than a year now from the World Cup will be key for the national team.
“I think there’s just no doubt in my mind we can dominate in Asia with this team as long as we can stay intact and continue to grow,” said Cone.
“That’s always the question for us. Can we stay intact and continue to grow as a group? Because we’re always making chances here and there. New coaches, new systems, new whatever. And I’ve always felt like it really doesn’t matter who coaches,” he furthered.
“It’s about keeping that coach there for a period of time so the system can grow and get to a higher level.”
