Cone’s risk pays off as Ginebra rookies deliver quality numbers

It was quite an unusual move for coach Tim Cone to field a rookie in his starting lineup, let alone two.

But Cone took the risk on Wednesday and added Aljon Mariano to his first five together with Scottie Thompson as the Gin Kings’ tripped Phoenix, 96-87.

“I really liked the fact that we started two rookies tonight,” he said.

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Picked fifth in the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft, Thompson has drawn praises from the veteran mentor numerous times in his first year as a pro. “You look at Scottie, he doesn’t play like a rookie,” said Cone.

But Mariano also made an impression on the coach with the 16th overall pick showing tremendous intensity in the Ginebra practices. “Aljon has been killing it in practice. He deserves to start,” Cone said.

And the two neophytes did not let down their coach.

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Opting to be the grease that keeps the Ginebra motor running, Thompson only had three points, but dominated the board with a team-high 16 rebounds and five assists in his 24 minutes on the floor.

Mariano wasn’t far behind, wounding up with six points, three rebounds, and two assists in almost 19 minutes of action.

Even Cone was happy with his move.

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“It’s kind of unusual for me to obviously play rookies at the starting lineup. But Scottie has been Scottie and Aljon has earned the right. It was good they stepped up,” he said.

It’s just the kind of good news Ginebra badly needs, especially fresh out of the news of Greg Slaughter suffering from a partial ACL tear that will rule him out of the season.

“That was a big blow for all of us. It was a tough blow for the whole organization,” Cone said. “But to turn around and step up with the way we played tonight, with great effort, with guys coming out and playing hard, I’m proud of the guys. I really am.”