Tim Cone not interested in handling Gilas Pilipinas: ‘My heart is with Ginebra’

Tim Cone has stated that he has no desire to handle the Philippine men’s basketball team.

“I don’t mind helping the national team in any other capacity other than head coach,” said Cone.

Chot Reyes’ decision to stand down as head coach of Gilas Pilipinas prompted the clarificatory statement from the winningest coach in PBA history.

Cone, as one of Reyes’ top deputies, is frequently considered as a top candidate for the job, especially with the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, only a few weeks away.

However, he stressed that being a national team coach requires a lot of attention, something he had previously experienced as the man in charge of the 1998 Centennial Team.

In addition, he said that Brgy. Ginebra remains a priority, as the Gin Kings are the reigning PBA Commissioner’s Cup champions.

“I would not want to step away from coaching Ginebra. I love trying to live up to the Big J legacy. And if I coached the national team, I feel it would deserved my full attention,” explained Cone.

Cone joined Gilas a year ago to assist Reyes as the team prepared for the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

That explains why he would never accept the just-vacated coaching position, despite being the most qualified candidate.

Plus there’s also Ginebra to think about.

“My heart is with Ginebra. I also love working for Alfrancis (Chua) and Boss RSA (Ramon S Ang),” said Cone.