Cone lauds Newsome for holding fort as Gilas’ point guard in OQT

Gilas Pilipinas’ Chris Newsome during a huddle after a loss to Brazil in the Fiba OQT semifinals in Riga, Latvia.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Chris Newsome had big shoes to fill being tasked to run the point in the absence of injured playmaker Scottie Thompson in the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga, Latvia.

Despite being a natural two guard, Newsome was able to hold the fort quarterbacking Gilas’ offense.

Newsome’s play certainly didn’t go unnoticed.

READ: Newsome’s great Meralco play spills over to Gilas in Riga

“Without Scottie, we were totally dependent on Chris. It was another question that we had, could Chris step in for Scottie’s shoes and do some of the things Scottie does? He did it, but he did it a different way,” explained Cone during a press conference in Mandaluyong on Monday.

“He was a calming influence on the entire team, he never was rattled and he took over the initiator spot.”

Active on both ends of the floor, Newsome averaged 9.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in three games in the OQT.

The 33-year-old Newsome played his best game against Georgia with 13 points, six assists and four rebounds to help Gilas make the semifinals.

READ: After soaring into PBA lore, Newsome hopes to make same impact for Gilas

Seeing the Meralco star impact the game wasn’t new for Cone, who’s been on the receiving end of it in the PBA.

Just two months ago, the Cone-coached Barangay Ginebra was sent packing by Newsome and the Bolts in the Philippine Cup semifinals.

“He played with such calmness and he did the same thing in the semifinals against us and in the Finals against San Miguel. He was just the calming factor for that team (Meralco). Whenever things would start to fall apart, he would calm everybody down.”

Newsome then, led the Bolts to their first championship while also bagging the Finals MVP plum.

“He was absolutely invaluable in that OQT and he’s the veteran, played like it and was treated like it by the young players. He was the true leader on that team.”