Cone PBAPC coach of year awardee

Tim Cone will be honored as the PBA Press Corps’ Coach of the Year in the group’s annual awards night after steering San Mig Coffee to a Philippine Basketball Association Grand Slam many thought was impossible at this day and age in the league.

The affable Cone completed a Triple Crown sweep for the second time in his career. The first came 18 years ago with Alaska that was actually the last one the league had seen.  Cone will get to keep the Baby Dalupan trophy for the coming season until another coach wins it.

Also to be honored at Richmonde Hotel in Libis, Quezon City, tonight is tycoon Ramon S. Ang as executive of the Year for his role in getting Cone and putting the Mixers together.

Ang, who is the president and CEO of the San Miguel group that owns San Mig Coffee, will receive the Danny Floro trophy.

Atoy Co, who was part of the two Crispa teams that won Grand Slams, and Jojo Lastimosa, Cone’s go-to-guy at Alaska in 1996, have been invited as guests of honor and will speak of the enormity of Cone’s achievement.

The formal affair is being supported by the PBA, Alaska, Barangay Ginebra, San Miguel, Barako Bull, Blackwater Sports, Globalport, Kia Motors, Meralco, NLEX, Rain or Shine, San Mig Super Coffee, and Talk `N Text.

Commissioner Chito Salud, incoming chair Patrick Gregorio and outgoing chair Ramon Segismundo are also attending the annual event.   Musong R. Castillo

OTHER AWARDEES: Marc Pingris, Defensive Player of the Year; Peter June Simon, Mr. Quality Minutes; Mark Barroca, Order of Merit; Asi Taulava, Comeback Player of the Year; Jason Castro, Scoring Champion; All-Rookie Team