Tim Cone expects return of fans to elevate PBA teams’ level of game

Ginebra coach Tim Cone. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Beginning Wednesday, fans will finally be allowed to watch PBA games live in attendance.

Tim Cone, who calls the shots for the PBA’s most popular franchise Barangay Ginebra, is brimming with enthusiasm in welcoming the crowd back.

“I think it’s just great for the PBA. Everybody is excited about having the fans back,” Cone said on CNN Philippines’ Sports Desk on Monday.

Cone said that just like in the NBA, having the PBA fans back at the venue will lead to better games and performances from players.

“You watch how the NBA slowly came back, you could just see elevation of the players, the level of their game rise as the fans started to come back. I expect our game to rise up especially after two years.”

After opening the conference at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, the PBA will make its return at Araneta Coliseum starting Wednesday.

As per an agreement with the Quezon City government, the PBA is allowed to have a maximum of 4,000 fans inside The Big Dome while sitting two seats apart.

“It kinda signifies to the whole country that we’re getting to normal here if we can get the fans in the stands,” said Cone.

Ginebra, which survived Alaska, 80-77, in its opening game on Sunday, plays NorthPort next on Friday.

The last time fans were in attendance was back on January 17, 2020 when the Gin Kings were crowned 2019 Governors’ Cup champions.