By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Juggling two duties might be challenging for others, but Gilas Pilipinas and Barangay Ginebra mentor Tim Cone views it as an opportunity to further sharpen his coaching skills.
Cone, however, thinks being a full-time coach for Gilas Pilipinas is not yet necessary at the moment.
“I don’t think that’s necessary,” the multi-titled tactician said. “The work that I do with Ginebra keeps me sharp as a coach, and besides, we only have three windows this year. What would I do between those that I was focusing on Gilas if I didn’t have a team to coach?”
Cone also noted the players that he is coaching with Gilas are also playing for other teams in the PBA and other leagues.
“I just don’t see Gilas at this point being a full-time job. As long as we can have total focus when it’s time to play,” he said.
“If it’s Gilas time, I’m totally thinking about Gilas. If it’s Ginebra, I’m totally thinking about Ginebra. Like I said, what I do with Ginebra keeps me sharp. The challenges that we have in the PBA, we take that to the challenges that we have with Gilas and in the international games,” he added.
With Ginebra finishing into the semifinals of the ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Cone now sets his eyes on the training resumption of Gilas on Feb. 15 in preparation for the upcoming Asia Cup qualifier windows on Feb. 22 and 25.
The Nationals will battle Hong Kong on the road on Feb. 22 before the Filipinos host the Chinese Taipei crew on Feb. 25 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Gilas will then face powerhouse New Zealand in November.
