Cone: ‘Physically imposing’ Onwubere a potential starter at stacked Ginebra

FILE–Sidney Onwubere with his former team NorthPort. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone believes it won’t take long for Sidney Onwubere to make his presence felt with his new team.

Cone likes what he sees in Onwubere, whose versatility makes him a potential starter even for a stacked squad like the Gin Kings.

“I’m not sure he’s a guy that’s coming off the bench, he may be a starter for us because we really believe in his skills and skillset,” Cone said on Power & Play.

The 6-foot-4 Onwubere, taken eighth overall by Phoenix in the 2017 draft, was acquired by Ginebra in a trade with NorthPort for promising but injury-riddled forward Art dela Cruz.

Cone heaped praise at Onwubere’s wide offensive range which will be valuable to Ginebra’s schemes.

“He’s physically imposing. He’s really a strong guy. He has a good three-point shot, not a lights-out three-point shot. He shoots well from the perimeter, he finishes around inside,” said the league’s most decorated mentor.

“We’re hoping we’re getting him at the right time, and that he could step up and help.”

Onwubere averaged 9.5 points and 5.8 rebounds for the Batang Pier last conference.