Cone unfazed as Ginebra faces ‘greatest team of all time’ in PBA Finals

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Tim Cone, the most decorated coach in PBA history with 20 championships under his belt, is the only coach in the league to win two Grand Slams.

But despite being part of several super teams with Alaska, Purefoods and now Ginebra, Cone sees the current San Miguel Beer team, which he is about to face in the finals, having the makings of the greatest PBA squad ever assembled.

“You wanna have a great challenge? There’s nothing more challenging in our league than playing this San Miguel which might be the greatest team of all time. I mean, they could very well be the greatest team of all time,” Cone said on Monday night after guiding the Gin Kings back to the finals in the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup.

“So the challenge is out there for us. I think our guys are going to embrace it and we’re expecting a tough series,” he added.

Cone offered high praise for San Miguel but there was never a hint of fear while he kept raving about the formidable Beermen, who are the equivalent of the Golden State Warriors in the NBA.

Cone likes his chances and he believes Ginebra, which has no shortage of star power, is equipped to dethrone San Miguel.

“Like I said, any team in the league we have, probably, the best matchup to San Miguel,” he said, wary of the Beermen’s ultra talented core anchored by reigning four-time MVP June Mar Fajardo and NBA-caliber import Renaldo Balkman. “We think we can give them a battle. We’ll do our best.”

The best-of-seven finals begin on Friday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.