Star Hotshots may have played their last game under Grand Slam coach Tim Cone in the semifinals of the 2015 PBA Governors’ Cup. Cone is said to be appointed as the head coach of Barangay Ginebra. PBA PHOTO
As news of coach Tim Cone’s supposed appointment to Ginebra continued to gather momentum, players from the Star Hotshots were silent on what transpired in their offseason.
But for their vocal and emotional leader, the American coach’s exit hurt.
“Nasaktan ako, sa totoo lang (Honestly, the news hurt me),” said Marc Pingris.
Though he’s still wishing that the news will stay as a rumor, the 2014 Defensive Player of the Year accepted the situation if ever it becomes true.
“Wala kaming magagawa kundi magtrabaho ng maayos para sa pamilya namin,” said Pingris.
(We can’t do anything but to play well for our families.)
INQUIRER.net tried to get the side of other Hotshots like James Yap, PJ Simon, and Mark Barroca, but they are all unavailable as of posting time.
Cone led the Purefoods franchise, then known as the San Mig Coffee Mixers, to a Grand Slam last year.
However, the team came up short to defend all three crowns from last year and failed to crack the Finals this season.