By REY C. LACHICA
HANGZHOU, China – Interim Gilas coach Tim Cone knows his business so well and also knows how important is the Asian Games to million of Filipino basketbal fans.
Without the luxury of a long and intensive preparation for this year’s event that the country last won during the 1962 edition in Jakarta, Indonesia when Cone was only five years old then, the amiable coach shuffled his men like a true maestro conducting a gala orchestra in a posh hotel.
He gave his four additions – Marcio Lassiter, Kevin Alas, CJ Perez, Chriss Ross and Arvin Tolentino – more exposure to hasten their assimilation to his basketall philosophy.
“When we got a good lead, we let those new guys in just so they will have more extended time executing and playing together, and really getting a feel of what we’re trying to do,” said Cone.
“They only came a few days ago and they didn’t have the foundation the foundation the other eight guys had, Oh, it’s seven actually ‘cause Marcio was also part of that, he also came late.” said Cone.
Well, that’s Cone’s basketball philosophy – far different from others.
An able replacement
Veteran Francis Alcatara was a late replacement for Fil-Am Ruben Gonzales in the mixed doubles event on Tuesday, Sept. 26 and proved his worth right away.
He blended well with PH tennis sensation Alex Eala as the two beat Nepal’s Sunira Thapa and Pranav Khanal without mercy, 6-0, 6-0, in the 19th Asian Games.
So awesome were Eala and Alcantara they held their hapless Nepalese rivals to just 13 points while exploding for 49 whopping points apart from combining for four aces.
They also posted a remarkable 86 percent on first serve after making 20 of 22 tries.
That’s almost perfect tennis -– a lovable combination.
But Eala and Alcantara are likely to face an acid test when they clash with the Ankita Raina and Yuki Bhambri on Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 27.
Tough act
Alex Eala said he has been playing in high level tournaments for fifth straight weeks, so little wonder she was seen coughing a little during her game with Indian Rutuja Bhosale of India who she beat 7-6 (7-5), 6-2, on Tuesday.
But worry not, she’s fit and healthy.
“I have an on and off allergic cough with the constant change in weather. But I am keeping my self healthy,” said Eala.
