Tim Cone on eclipsing Baby Dalupan: No one will surpass him

By: Celest R. Flores - 11 years ago

Video by NOY MORCOSO III/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—He may have eclipsed Baby Dalupan in the record books, but Tim Cone believes no one, not even him, can surpass the legendary coach.

Cone took home his 16th championship in the PBA Wednesday night after stirring San Mig to a Philippine Cup title, making him the most successful coach in the league’s colorful history.

But even so, Cone is not ever going to claim the “greatest coach ever” tag.

“People will say I’ve surpassed Baby, but no one will ever surpass Baby,” Cone said just after the Mixers’ 93-87 win over Rain or Shine. “He’s the father of all coaches.”

The American coach said that simply getting Dalupan’s name mentioned over and over along with his feat is a source of pride in itself.

“I’m thrilled that I’m able to bring Baby Dalupan’s name into consciousness of the PBA fans. Especially to the young ones,” Cone said.

Dalupan won 15 titles in his 16-year tenure, nine with the defunct Cripsa, five with Great Taste and one with Purefoods. Cone, after clinching the Governors’ Cup crown last year, recalled that his first finals appearance as a coach was Dalupan’s last.

“A lot of people don’t know that my first finals appearance was [Dalupan’s] last championship. I was leading 2-0, and he swept me three games in a row,” Cone said in an interview after he tied Dalupan for 15th.

But Cone went to be just as succesful. He got the bulk of his hardware during his time with Alaska, where he spent two decades of his career before transferring to San Mig.

“I’m very fortunate that I had owners who were very patient with me [in Alaska] and coming here in San Mig, they’ve been very supportive.”

It was the second straight title that Cone has managed to lead the Mixers to and the third since he took over the franchise in 2011.

“These guys are kinda developing a special bond. They’ve been through tough times and when you came back from those it strengthens the bonds of your team and we’re developing strong bonds.”