Tim Cone, Ginebra set their sights on elusive All-Filipino crown

Ginebra coach Tim Cone. INQUIRER PHOTO/TRISTAN TAMAYO

MANILA, Philippines–He’s done it so many times but winning still never gets old for Ginebra head coach Tim Cone.

And 22 championships later, including a third PBA Governors’ Cup title for Gin Kings in four years, Cone is not yet done.

The legendary coach and the crowd darlings are now shifting their focus on the elusive All-Filipino title, which they haven’t won since Cone took over.

“We’re certainly going for it,” Cone said of the upcoming conference which opens the new season of the PBA in March.

San Miguel has been the king of the Philippine Cup for the past years but Cone believes Ginebra has a good shot now the team has “the tools.”

“There’s Stanley (Pringle), there’s an anchor [in] Japeth (Aguilar) and Greg (Slaughter). They take a step back usually when the imports come,” he said. “But now is the time to step forward.”

Ginebra also has some promising incoming freshmen to help their cause.

“I think we have some exciting rookies that are coming into the team. And I think will be a more complete all Filipino team,” he added.

Cone, who has racked up the most wins in the PBA as a coach, said going all out is logical given the weight and prestige of the Philippine Cup.

“Doesn’t matter who we are—[Magnolia], TNT, Columbian—we all want to get that that All-Filipino championship so, you know, that’s what they call the crown jewel of the three championships,” he said.

“When you win it in all-Filipino, you are the best team. San Miguel has had an incredible monopoly on the All-Filipino in the last five years, and it’s well deserved,” added Cone.

“Needless to say, we’re going to be motivated.”