Tim Cone impressed with Ginebra hopeful Teytey Teodoro: ‘He reminds me of Willie Miller’

MANILA, Philippines—It has been a month since the 2018 PBA Rookie Draft but there are still some freshmen looking to get into a vacant roster spot.

Only those chosen in the first round are given an automatic contract leaving those in the latter rounds to still work for their worth, and that’s what Teytey Teodoro is doing.

The former Heavy Bomber from Jose Rizal University was the 23rd overall pick by  Columbian but the club didn’t sign him leaving Teodoro to put matters into his own hands.

Teodoro is now trying out for Ginebra, a roster stock full of guards, but head coach Tim Cone sees some positive things from the hefty shooter even comparing him to two-time MVP Willie Miller.

“I think there’s a really good chance that he’ll make the team,” said Cone after the team’s Friday practice at Upper Deck.

Cone said that he could use someone who could fill in for Jeff Chan, who is nursing some medical issues. There’s also Julian Sargent who won’t be able to play because of a bum shoulder.

“We’re very impressed with Teytey, I think he has PBA skills, he’s a very accomplished offensive player,” said Cone. “It’s just really a matter of time whether he has the defense to come and play in our system and whether he has the speed and quickness to matchup with the point guards around the league.”

“He reminds me so much of Willie Miller in terms of skills. He has the same type of skills that Willie has and he knows how to use his body. I’m really impressed with him.”

Teodoro said that Cone talked to him of a possible roster spot but he knows he still has a long way to go to make sure he becomes a Gin King.

“Of course I’m always thinking positively, coach Tim talked to me about the possibility of making the lineup but I’m just focusing on practice,” said Teodoro in Filipino. “I’m just happy that I can keep up with star players. This is the first practice and I’m still trying to find the feel for things.”

“I’m still learning the plays but I’ll be able to memorize it. If ever coach Tim gives me the chance, I’ll just give it my all,” added Teodoro.