Tim Cone. Photo by August dela Cruz
MANILA, Philippines — San Mig Coffee head coach Tim Cone felt saddened upon learning that his former import Sean Chambers failed to make the PBA Hall of Fame.
Chambers led Alaska to its first title in franchise history in 1991 before helping the Aces win four more including a Grand Slam in 1996 all under Cone’s watch.
“So sorry to hear that Sean Chambers didn’t get Hall of Fame vote. Thought he was a shoo-in after having the most championships for imports,” Cone (@manilacone) posted on his Twitter account Wednesday.
“There was no higher character import than Sean. He represented Alaska and the PBA at the highest standard, and taught all of us how to win,” added Cone.
Cone also praised the six-foot-two Chambers’ team-first approach.
“Sean Chambers was really the first import who put winning championships over personal glory & numbers. We learned through Sean’s play that imports didn’t always have to score 50 points for teams to win. Sean always did the dirty work and let his teammates get the glory.”
Chambers didn’t garner enough votes to make the fifth batch of inductees which was finalized Tuesday with two-time MVP Benjie Paras leading the list along with former Shell teammate Ronnie Magsanoc, league pioneer Lim Eng Beng and multi-titled coach Ed Ocampo.