FILE – Tim Cone (background) watches as Chris Ross tries to put up a shot against GInebra guard LA Tenorio. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Tim Cone, the winningest bench tactician in the history of the PBA, has seen it all throughout his three decades of coaching.
At least that’s what he thought until Monday night when he laid witness to a shooting clinic by Chris Ross and came to a realization about the veteran guard’s transformation.
“Never in my 30 years of coaching have I seen a player improve so much from the beginning of his career to now than Chris Ross. Just hard work. Evolved into a superstar,” said the multi-titled coach in a tweet.
READ: Ross channels inner Lassiter in fiery Game 2 performance
Cone’s Twitter rave came on the heels of Ross’ dazzling offensive display against Rain or Shine in Game 2 of the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.
Ross made it rain, draining 10 from downtown en route to a 34-point outing that went with eight assists and three steals. He was also on point, going 11-of-19 from the field overall.
The seven-time PBA champion and two-time Finals MVP’s performance led the Beermen’s seemingly improbable comeback from 29 points down to stun the Elasto Painters, 117-105, and move on the cusp of another finals appearance.
READ: Beermen rise from 29 down, stun Painters for 2-0 semis lead
Not bad for someone who was known as a defensive player when he first came into the league as the third overall pick in 2009 by the Burger King Whoppers.
The 34-year-old Ross, who is making a case as one of the best two-way players in the league today, is on his 10th season in the PBA but he didn’t find a home until he was traded to the Beermen in 2013.