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Tag: Tim Cone

  • Bennie Boatwright ruled out of Asian Games as Gilas Pilipinas suffers major blow

    Bennie Boatwright ruled out of Asian Games as Gilas Pilipinas suffers major blow

    Gilas Pilipinas has suffered a major blow ahead of the upcoming 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, with head coach Tim Cone confirming that naturalization prospect Bennie Boatwright will miss the tournament.

     

    Cone made the announcement during an appearance on Power and Play, the sports program hosted by former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) commissioner Noli Eala, revealing that Boatwright will not receive his Philippine naturalization papers in time for the Asian Games.

     

    “Bennie is out there, he won’t be able to play in either tournament,” Cone said.

     

     

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    The 30-year-old forward could also miss the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, where the Philippines are scheduled to host Jordan and Iraq in August.

     

    “There is a slight possibility he could play in the window, the FIBA tournament with Iran and Jordan,” Cone said.

    “The Asian Games is obviously the tournament in Japan but Bennie won’t be available because his papers didn’t come in time. Japan has stricken him in the list. But there is a slight possibility he can make it for the window.”

     

    While Boatwright’s absence is a setback, Cone received some positive news regarding another key piece of the Gilas lineup.

     

    Naturalized star Justin Brownlee is expected to suit up for both the FIBA window and the Asian Games, provided he is fully healthy by then.

     

    “We expect Justin to play on that. Assuming he is 100 percent. By that time, so basically, Justin for the FIBA window, and Justin for the Asian Games,” Cone said.

     

    Brownlee’s availability will be closely monitored after the veteran forward dealt with several injuries in recent months, including issues involving his knee, leg and hamstring that have limited his playing time for Gilas.

     

    Cone will have to manage two different Gilas squads for the two competitions, with Dwight Ramos, Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao unavailable for the Asian Games because of their commitments to clubs in Japan and South Korea.

     

    Despite the personnel challenges, the Philippines will enter the Asian Games as the defending champions after ending a 57-year wait for the men’s basketball gold medal with their triumph at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games.

     

    With Boatwright out and several key players unavailable, Cone will now have to find the right combination to defend the Philippines’ Asian Games crown in Nagoya.

     

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  • Tim Cone says leading Gilas Pilipinas to the Olympics would be the defining legacy of his career

    Tim Cone says leading Gilas Pilipinas to the Olympics would be the defining legacy of his career

    For Tim Cone, a record-breaking coaching career will only feel complete if he can lead Gilas Pilipinas back to the Olympic Games.

     

    Already regarded as the most accomplished coach in Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) history, Cone has built a legacy few can match. Yet despite winning multiple championships and rewriting the league’s record books, the veteran mentor believes his greatest achievement still lies ahead.

     

    Since taking over the Alaska Air Force in 1989, Cone has established himself as one of the winningest coaches in Asian basketball. The American tactician has captured a record 26 PBA championships, including two elusive Grand Slam titles, while earning five PBA Coach of the Year awards. He also became the first coach in league history to surpass the 1,000-win mark, cementing his place among Philippine basketball’s all-time greats.

     

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    However, as he enters the latter stages of his coaching career, Cone revealed that his focus has shifted beyond collecting domestic titles. Instead, he hopes to leave behind a lasting legacy by guiding Gilas Pilipinas back to the sport’s biggest stage—the Olympic Games.

     

    “The championships are getting more and more special the older I get, because I know that’s not an infinite number anymore. Before, when I was 35 or 40, I didn’t think about the end. But I think about the end more often these days. So every one now is really special, and that’s why I’m also enjoying the Gilas team. It’s just as hard, if not harder, than these Game 7s,” Cone said during an interview with The GAME.

     

    The 68-year-old admitted that representing the Philippines has given him a renewed sense of purpose, with international success now outweighing even the thrill of winning PBA championships.

     

    “Well, I’d like to go to the World Cup, that’s for darn sure. And even better if we go to the Olympics. I’m not sure if I’m going to be able to do that, but that’s really the legacy I would like to leave more than anything else,” he added.

    Cone has already brought Gilas close to achieving one of those goals. In 2024, he steered the national team to the semifinals of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Riga, Latvia, raising hopes that the Philippines could end its decades-long Olympic basketball drought.

     

    The country has not qualified for the Olympic men’s basketball tournament since the 1972 Munich Games, making an Olympic berth one of the most coveted achievements in Philippine basketball.

    The road ahead, however, remains challenging.

     

    Gilas Pilipinas enters the next phase of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers after finishing third in Group A with a 2-4 record. Consecutive defeats to New Zealand and Australia in the final window of the first round highlighted the level of competition awaiting the Filipinos as they pursue another World Cup appearance.

     

    Despite the setback, Cone remains committed to elevating the national team and believes that international success would eclipse any personal milestone he has already achieved.

     

    “You know, the championships are great and hopefully they will stand the test of time, but records are made to be broken. But the idea of taking Gilas, the national team, to another level is what we are really working for, and that’s what I would like to leave behind,” Cone said.

     

    One reason for his optimism is the emergence of a new generation of Filipino big men capable of competing against the world’s best.

     

    Under Cone’s watch, Gilas has benefited from the development of towering frontcourt players such as Kai Sotto, June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, AJ Edu, and Quentin Millora-Brown. Their size and versatility have helped narrow a longstanding gap between the Philippines and elite basketball nations.

     

    “It’s just hard to imagine 10, 15, or 20 years ago that we would ever have anything like that. Size has always been our bugaboo through the years. We have always been too small. People would ask why we even play basketball when we should be playing other sports,” Cone said.

     

    “But suddenly, we have guys that can compete on the world stage in terms of size and talent. That’s so unique and that’s an amazing statement for Philippine basketball. We have always been talented in terms of skill and athleticism. It’s only the size that held us back.”

     

    With one of the most decorated coaching careers in PBA history already secured, Cone now has his sights set on a prize that has eluded generations of Philippine basketball figures. If he can guide Gilas Pilipinas back to the Olympic Games for the first time in more than five decades, it would stand as the defining achievement of an already legendary career.

     

     

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  • Tim Cone calls out Barangay Ginebra’s “really poor effort” after Rain or Shine loss

    Tim Cone calls out Barangay Ginebra’s “really poor effort” after Rain or Shine loss

    The struggles of reigning Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) champions Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the 2026 Governors’ Cup deepened on Sunday night after another disappointing performance saw them fall to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 99-110, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    The defeat marked another setback for the league powerhouse, which has yet to find its rhythm early in the conference. After entering the Governors’ Cup with championship expectations, Barangay Ginebra has instead found itself searching for consistency, now sitting at 1-2 in the standings.

     

    Rain or Shine controlled much of the contest behind standout performances from Aaron Fuller and Caelan Tiongson. Fuller led all scorers with 37 points, while Tiongson added 21 points to help the Elasto Painters secure a statement victory against one of the PBA’s most decorated franchises.

     

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    For Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone, the loss was particularly frustrating—not because of execution alone, but because of what he felt was a lack of effort and intensity from his players.

     

    Cone expressed his disappointment during the postgame press conference, saying his team was simply outworked by Rain or Shine in every aspect of the game.

     

    “I’m disappointed with our effort tonight. Really, really, really poor effort. It was the worst we have had in a long time. Rain or Shine outhustled us in all departments tonight, and they had a greater sense of urgency,” Cone said.

    The numbers reflected Cone’s concerns. Barangay Ginebra struggled with ball security throughout the game, committing 21 turnovers, while also losing the rebounding battle, 46-37. The Gin Kings were also dominated inside, getting outscored in the paint, 52-22, as Rain or Shine consistently found ways to attack their defense.

     

    Beyond the statistics, Cone stressed that the bigger issue was the team’s inability to match the hunger and intensity displayed by the Elasto Painters.

     

    The veteran tactician also acknowledged that a possible championship hangover may have contributed to Barangay Ginebra’s slow start. Coming off another title run, Cone admitted that maintaining the same level of focus and motivation can sometimes become a challenge for teams that have recently reached the top.

     

    “Sometimes, coming off a championship, it’s tough to get guys going. Somehow, I’m gonna have to light a fire under our players, especially our key guys,” Cone said.

     

    Despite the team’s early struggles, Cone remained confident that Barangay Ginebra can turn things around. He pointed to the squad’s history of overcoming adversity and believes the players will eventually rediscover the level of commitment needed to compete for another championship.

     

    The coach also defended new import Riley Grigsby, who has carried much of the offensive responsibility early in the conference. While acknowledging Grigsby’s contributions, Cone emphasized that the rest of the lineup must provide more support if the Gin Kings want to remain in the title race.

     

    “Riley’s doing enough for us to win, but everybody else needs to contribute at this point. They will probably be more on the horizon at this point, but eventually, we will figure it out. Generally, we always do, but again, it’s like pulling teeth trying to get our guys focused and locked in on what we do and to play hard,” Cone said.

     

    With the Governors’ Cup still in its early stages, Barangay Ginebra has plenty of time to recover, but Cone knows improvements must come quickly as the competition continues to intensify.

     

    The Gin Kings will look to end their slump and return to the win column when they face the Meralco Bolts on Friday, July 31, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

     

     

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  • Tim Cone refuses to blame Justin Brownlee’s absence for Gilas’ heavy loss to Australia

    Tim Cone refuses to blame Justin Brownlee’s absence for Gilas’ heavy loss to Australia

    The Philippine men’s national basketball team closed out the opening round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers without a victory after suffering a heavy 94-49 defeat at the hands of host Australia at RAC Arena in Perth on Monday, July 6.

     

    The loss extended Gilas Pilipinas’ winless run to four games in the qualifiers, highlighting the significant gap between the Filipinos and one of the world’s elite basketball programs. Facing the sixth-ranked team in the FIBA world rankings on its home floor, Gilas struggled to establish any offensive rhythm as Australia imposed its physicality and defensive pressure from the opening tip.

     

    Already shorthanded entering the contest, Gilas was forced to play without naturalized star Justin Brownlee, who was ruled out because of a hamstring injury. Brownlee’s absence deprived the Philippines of its most reliable scorer and playmaker, but head coach Tim Cone refused to use it as an excuse for the team’s lopsided defeat.

     

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    “Well, it wasn’t worth 40 points, that’s for sure. You know, he’s a guy we can go to in tough moments, but he wasn’t just ready to go tonight. He wouldn’t be much of a help the way he was feeling,” Cone said after the game.

     

    Instead of dwelling on the missing personnel, Cone credited Australia for executing its game plan at an elite level, praising the Boomers’ athleticism, relentless defense, and ability to capitalize on every mistake committed by Gilas.

     

    “We really felt we could come out and compete, but we only competed in stretches. That’s not good enough against a high-quality team like this, the number six team in the world. There’s a reason they are ranked that highly. Like I said, they had really superior athletes out there getting into us and making it tough,” he added.

    Australia dictated the tempo throughout the contest, forcing Gilas into difficult possessions while converting turnovers into easy transition baskets. The Boomers’ defensive intensity repeatedly disrupted the Philippines’ offensive sets, preventing the visitors from finding any sustained momentum.

     

    Leading the charge for Australia were several standout players with professional experience at the highest levels of basketball. Among them were Cleveland Cavaliers guard Tyrese Proctor and NBL superstar Bryce Cotton, whose speed, shot-making, and overall offensive firepower proved too much for the Filipinos to contain.

     

    Cone singled out Cotton’s impact on the game, acknowledging the veteran guard’s ability to punish even the slightest defensive lapses while emphasizing that Australia’s pressure defense created numerous scoring opportunities.

     

    “Well, what is he, like a six-time MVP in the NBL? He’s one of the superior athletes. He’s incredibly quick and gets off the floor so fast on his jump shot. We were supposed to switch some of the screens he was getting, and we weren’t getting to the proper switch. We weren’t executing well. Again, their defense created so much for their offense and so much for Cotton.

     

    “The bottom line was our point guards struggled tonight under the pressure, and then having to guard those kind of guys was a revelation for them. If we move on, we’re going to see players like Bryce, Proctor, Jack McVeigh, Mitch Creek, all those guys. They’re tremendous players and they know the game,” Cone concluded.

     

    Australia’s relentless pressure exposed Gilas’ backcourt throughout the night, with the Filipino guards finding little room to operate against the Boomers’ aggressive perimeter defense. Every defensive breakdown was quickly punished, allowing the hosts to steadily build their advantage and put the contest out of reach long before the final buzzer.

     

    For Gilas Pilipinas, the defeat served as another difficult lesson against top-level international competition. While the absence of Brownlee was undoubtedly felt, Cone maintained that Australia’s superior execution, depth, and defensive intensity ultimately made the difference.

     

    The result leaves Gilas Pilipinas still searching for its first victory after four games in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers. With the next phase of the campaign looming, the national team will be looking to regroup, regain its health, and make the necessary adjustments as it aims to revive its qualification hopes against equally formidable opposition.

     

     

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  • Tim Cone carefully managing Justin Brownlee’s fitness ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers

    Tim Cone carefully managing Justin Brownlee’s fitness ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers

    The Philippine men’s national basketball team is set for a pivotal stretch in its FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers campaign, with back-to-back high-stakes matchups scheduled in the first week of July against regional powerhouses New Zealand and Australia.

     

    Head coach Tim Cone’s squad, Gilas Pilipinas, enters the window facing a demanding test of depth, conditioning, and execution as it continues its bid to secure qualification momentum. The Philippines currently sits in third place in its group with six points, having recorded two wins and two losses so far, and will need strong performances in the upcoming fixtures to strengthen its position in the standings.

     

    The spotlight, once again, will be on naturalized star Justin Brownlee, who remains the focal point of Gilas’ offense and leadership on the floor. Brownlee is coming off a physically taxing Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup campaign, where he carried Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to the championship in a grueling best-of-seven series that pushed him to heavy minutes throughout the playoffs.

     

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    In the finals, the 38-year-old veteran delivered elite production, averaging 36.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game while logging approximately 45 minutes per contest. His heroics were instrumental in securing the title, further underlining his importance to both club and country despite concerns over his workload.

     

    Given his age and recent heavy usage, there have been questions regarding Brownlee’s physical condition heading into the international window. However, Cone has moved to ease concerns, emphasizing that the coaching staff and medical team are carefully managing his recovery and preparation.

     

    “Justin is fine. We are just making sure he stays fresh. He has the whole work up for recovery every day,” Cone said in a media interaction.

    The Gilas mentor stressed that Brownlee’s conditioning and availability remain a top priority, especially with two crucial games coming in quick succession. Managing fatigue will be a key factor as the Philippines prepares for the physical intensity of facing New Zealand’s structured defense and Australia’s athletic, high-pressure style.

     

    Brownlee himself is no stranger to the challenge posed by the region’s elite teams. In the previous window of the qualifiers held in February at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, he endured a difficult outing against the New Zealand Tall Blacks, scoring just four points on 2-of-10 shooting while adding six rebounds and two assists in a narrow 66-69 defeat for Gilas.

     

    However, he responded strongly in the following game against Australia, producing a much improved performance with 20 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Despite his efforts, Gilas still fell short, underscoring the difficulty of competing consistently against two of Asia-Oceania’s strongest basketball programs.

     

    Looking ahead, Brownlee acknowledged the physical nature of their upcoming opponents and stressed the importance of matching intensity if Gilas is to compete effectively.

     

    “We know that they are a physical team. So we got to match up their physicality and understand how to play through that. Just be aggressive. No matter what they do as far as guarding us, we just have to be aggressive,” Brownlee said.

     

    The upcoming schedule presents a tight turnaround for Gilas Pilipinas, with New Zealand awaiting on Friday, July 3, followed by a high-pressure clash against Australia on Monday, July 6. Both games are expected to play a significant role in shaping the group standings, which also includes Guam alongside Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

     

    As the qualifiers progress, Gilas will be aiming not only to secure wins but also to establish consistency against top-tier opposition. With Brownlee’s leadership, Cone’s system, and the team’s evolving chemistry, the Philippines will look to rise to the occasion in what could be a defining week in its World Cup qualification journey.

     

     

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  • PBA moves toward FIBA alignment after rule review meeting with coaches and SBP officials

    PBA moves toward FIBA alignment after rule review meeting with coaches and SBP officials

    The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), led by commissioner Willie Marcial, has taken a significant step toward aligning its rulebook with international standards following a formal meeting with franchise coaches, team officials, and representatives from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) on Monday, June 22.

     

    The discussion, which Marcial confirmed with members of the media, focused on a series of proposed and upcoming adjustments intended to bring the league’s playing rules closer to those used by FIBA. Among the key topics tackled were situational foul interpretations, proper screen-setting techniques, and the potential replacement of traditional jump ball situations with a possession arrow system.

     

    The move is seen as part of a broader initiative to ensure smoother transitions for players who regularly shift between PBA duties and international commitments with Gilas Pilipinas, where FIBA rules are strictly enforced.

     

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    Gilas Pilipinas program director and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel team governor Alfrancis Chua was among those present at the meeting. He expressed support for the direction being taken by the league, noting the challenges players face when adapting between two different rule environments.

     

    “Kasi ‘yung adjustment, talagang malayo. Every time we play, pagdating sa PBA, iba ‘yung fouls dito, iba ‘yung fouls dito, iba ‘yung fouls doon,” Chua said, highlighting the inconsistencies players encounter when switching between domestic and international play.

    While the league is pushing toward greater FIBA alignment, Marcial clarified that certain distinct PBA rules will remain unchanged. These include the league’s 12-minute quarters, the implementation of the four-point line, and the six-personal foul limit for players—features that continue to distinguish the PBA from other international leagues.

     

    The discussions form part of an ongoing evaluation of league rules, with further refinements expected to be introduced in upcoming conferences. Officials emphasized that any changes will be implemented gradually, ensuring teams and players have sufficient time to adapt.

     

    Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone, who also mentors Barangay Ginebra, welcomed the proposed direction, stressing the importance of adaptability among players as the national team continues to compete on the international stage.

     

    “Players are gonna have to start the conference with an open wind. You learn to adjust,” Cone said, underscoring the need for flexibility as athletes transition between domestic and FIBA-style competition.

     

    Cone’s comments reflect a broader sentiment within the national team setup, where consistency in rules is viewed as a key factor in improving the Philippines’ competitiveness in international tournaments.

     

    The Philippine men’s national basketball team is next scheduled to see action in the third window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. Gilas Pilipinas will face New Zealand on July 3 before taking on Australia on July 6, two crucial matchups that will test the team’s readiness against top-tier regional opposition.

     

    With the PBA’s ongoing reforms and Gilas’ international campaign approaching, basketball stakeholders view the alignment effort as a critical step toward strengthening the country’s overall basketball program.

     

     

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  • Fresh from Ginebra’s championship run, Tim Cone trusts Gilas in crucial road tests 

    Fresh from Ginebra’s championship run, Tim Cone trusts Gilas in crucial road tests 

    As Gilas Pilipinas prepares for another daunting stretch in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, head coach Tim Cone is placing his trust in his players.


    The national team enters the third qualification window carrying the weight of recently concluded professional campaigns. Several players are coming off demanding seasons in the PBA and overseas leagues, while Cone himself has just guided Barangay Ginebra San Miguel through a grueling run to the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup title.

     

    Yet rather than viewing fatigue as a concern, the veteran coach sees a group that remains eager for one more challenge.

     

    “Well, we know it’s going to be tough. We’re looking forward to it. You know, we’ve been a team that’s pulled surprises before, and I’m not going to be surprised if we pull a surprise,” Cone said.

     

    The Philippines faces arguably its toughest assignment of the qualifying cycle with back-to-back road games against New Zealand on July 3 and Australia on July 6. Gilas has yet to defeat either side in the current World Cup qualifying campaign, falling 69-66 to the Tall Blacks last February and suffering a 93-66 loss to the Boomers in March.

     

    Those results underscore the size of the task ahead, but Cone believes preparation could help narrow the gap.

     

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    The national team will spend valuable time in Brisbane before the qualifiers, allowing the players to adjust to conditions and build cohesion through training and tune-up games.

     

    “But I like the way the SBP has set it up for us in terms of being able to go down to Brisbane and acclimatize ourselves to the weather a little bit, get a camp down there and then play a couple of friendlies against pro New Zealand teams,” the veteran coach added.

     

    At the heart of Gilas’ campaign is a championship-tested core from Ginebra. Best Import of the Conference Justin Brownlee, Best Player of the Conference RJ Abarrientos, and veteran forward Troy Rosario arrive carrying the momentum of their title-winning run.

     

    For Cone, that existing chemistry may prove just as valuable as talent when facing two of Oceania’s basketball powers.

     

    “I’m not tired from the finals. I’m ready to get going, so I think our guys are all ready to get going, too,” Cone said.

     

    Beyond the Ginebra contingent, Gilas will also lean on a mix of established stars and overseas-based standouts. PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo joins Chris Newsome, Juan Gomez de Liaño, Justin Baltazar, Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo, and Kevin Quiambao in a roster designed to blend experience, versatility, and familiarity.

     

    One of the most intriguing additions is Mike Phillips, who steps into an expanded role with Quentin Millora-Brown and Kai Sotto unavailable for the tournament.

     

    Rather than selecting players solely based on individual ability, Cone emphasized that every roster spot is determined by fit within the team’s system.

     

    “We don’t just look at the talent and say, you know, he’s the most talented player there, therefore we’re going to get him. We try to make him come in and fit the puzzle of the vision that we have for the team,” Cone said.

     

    “And Mike does that in terms of his, you know, his name is Motor Mike, and there’s a reason why he’s Motor Mike. It’s very apt, that nickname.”

     

    Despite their recent losses to New Zealand and Australia, Gilas can draw confidence from previous success. The Filipinos defeated New Zealand during the 2024 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, a reminder that the gap can be closed on the right night.

     

    With three Group A spots available in the second round, the upcoming window presents more than just a chance to improve their standing. 

     

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  • Tim Cone backs Justine Baltazar’s untapped potential as big man earns Gilas recall 

    Tim Cone backs Justine Baltazar’s untapped potential as big man earns Gilas recall 

    For years, Justine Baltazar’s national team journey has largely been defined by potential. This time, however, the versatile big man enters the Gilas Pilipinas setup with something more tangible, the trust of the coaching staff.


    Baltazar’s inclusion in the Final 12 for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers third window is more than just a roster move. 

     

    It is a reward for the impression he left behind months earlier, when he joined the national team’s training camp for Window 2 despite not making the final lineup.

     

    Gilas head coach Tim Cone and the rest of the coaching staff saw enough in Baltazar’s game to keep him firmly on their radar. 

     

    His ability to contribute in multiple facets, whether as a rebounder, passer, defender, or floor-spacer, stood out in a team constantly searching for adaptable pieces.

     

    “He’s a player with a high ceiling, and we’re hoping that he can play at that high ceiling,” Cone said.

     

    That confidence became even more significant when Gilas had to adjust its roster for the June 29 to July 6 competitions. With key frontcourt players Kai Sotto and Quentin Millora-Brown unavailable, the coaching staff turned to a familiar candidate rather than exploring new options.

     

    For Cone, the decision was straightforward.

     

    “Balti, Justine, we know him from the last window. We had him through the whole camp, and he impressed us there,” the veteran and multi-awarded coach said.

     

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    The selection marks Baltazar’s first appearance for the national team since the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers, ending a lengthy absence from Gilas duty. 

     

    Yet despite the praise coming from one of the country’s most accomplished coaches, the 29-year-old remains grounded.

     

    Instead of focusing on expectations, Baltazar is approaching the opportunity as a learner eager to fit into the program’s current culture and system.

     

    “Nagpapasalamat ako sa pag-invite uli sa akin. Noong last game nila, kumbaga baguhan pa lang ako, pero andun pa rin ako sumusuporta and always ready lang talaga ako. Malaking pasalamat ko na nakasama ako sa Final 12,” he said.

     

    His return also reflects Gilas’ ongoing effort to deepen its player pool ahead of major international competitions. With established veterans and emerging stars sharing the roster, Baltazar has an opportunity to carve out a unique role through the versatility that first caught the coaches’ attention.

     

    Joining Baltazar in the Final 12 are RJ Abarrientos, Justin Brownlee, AJ Edu, June Mar Fajardo, Chris Newsome, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, Troy Rosario, Carl Tamayo, and Juan Gomez de Liano.

     

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  • “No doubt he is the GOAT”: Tim Cone hails Justin Brownlee after PBA triumph

    “No doubt he is the GOAT”: Tim Cone hails Justin Brownlee after PBA triumph

    For years, Justin Brownlee’s greatness in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has been defined by one enduring standard: championships. On Wednesday, June 17, he added yet another defining moment to a legacy that continues to grow into one of the most remarkable careers ever seen in the league.

     

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel defeated TNT Tropang 5G, 88-76, in a decisive Game 7 of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals, reclaiming the crown after a hard-fought series and once again affirming their status as one of the league’s most dominant franchises. For Brownlee, the victory marked his seventh PBA championship since first joining the league in 2016—an achievement that places him alone at the top of the all-time list for most successful imports in PBA history.

     

    The win also carried added significance for Ginebra, as it ended a two-year title drought and restored the Gin Kings to familiar championship territory. In a league where dynasties are hard to maintain and success is often fleeting, Ginebra once again proved their resilience on the biggest stage, with Brownlee at the center of it all.

     

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    TNT Tropang 5G had long been considered one of the few teams capable of disrupting Ginebra’s championship rhythm in recent years, having previously denied the Gin Kings in critical playoff moments. But in this winner-take-all showdown, Ginebra flipped the narrative, delivering a composed and physical performance when it mattered most to finally overcome their familiar postseason rival.

     

    A decade after first stepping onto a PBA floor, Brownlee continues to redefine what longevity and sustained excellence look like for an import player in the league. His ability to deliver in high-pressure moments has made him a constant difference-maker for Ginebra across multiple championship runs, solidifying his status as one of the most influential figures in modern PBA history.

    For Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone, there is little debate about Brownlee’s place in basketball history, especially after yet another title-clinching performance.

     

    “I don’t think there’s any doubt that he is the GOAT (Greatest of All Time). Although, there’s always going to be people who think otherwise. I think Michael Jordan is the GOAT, some people think it’s LeBron James or Kobe Bryant, there’s always going to be arguments. But, for me? My opinion, Brownlee’s the GOAT,” Cone said in a media interaction.

     

    Brownlee’s latest championship also saw him surpass Alaska legend Sean Chambers, who previously held the benchmark for import success under Cone with six championships. With seven titles now to his name, Brownlee stands alone atop that historic category, further strengthening his case as the most accomplished import in league history.

     

    Beyond the numbers, Brownlee’s impact has extended far beyond scoring averages and trophy counts. His consistency, leadership, and adaptability have made him a cornerstone of Ginebra’s identity and a fan favorite in one of the most passionate basketball markets in Asia.

     

    As celebrations continue for the Gin Kings, attention will soon shift to another stage where Brownlee remains a vital piece of the puzzle. He is expected to rejoin Gilas Pilipinas as the national team prepares for the next window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers scheduled in July, where he will once again carry the country’s hopes on the international stage.

     

    For now, though, the PBA belongs once again to Barangay Ginebra—and to Justin Brownlee, whose legacy continues to grow with every championship moment.

     

     

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  • Under coach Tim Cone’s system, Mike Phillips ready for bigger Gilas Pilipinas role 

    Under coach Tim Cone’s system, Mike Phillips ready for bigger Gilas Pilipinas role 

    Mike Phillips has waited a long time for this moment. Three years after first answering the call to represent the country in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games under then-head coach Chot Reyes, he is once again wearing the national colors—this time as part of the Gilas Pilipinas squad under coach Tim Cone.

     

    Named as one of the Final 12 for Window 3 of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Phillips is set to join the national team in crucial road games.

     

    For Phillips, however, the excitement of representing the country has never faded.

     

    “Sobrang saya ko at ang tagal namin itong hinintay, kasi SBP has been working so hard. Ma’am Erika Dy has been working so hard for so many years. Sobrang saya ko na nakasama ako sa Final 12 at excited akong maglaro para sa bayan,” he said.

     

    The call-up becomes even more meaningful with two familiar faces joining him on the roster. Former De La Salle teammates Justine Baltazar and Kevin Quiambao will also suit up for Gilas, creating what Phillips described as a special reunion years in the making.

     

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    “Super excited, Kevin is my boy and si Balti, siya yung captain ko nung first year ko sa La Salle. Full-circle talaga. We have the Animo pride,” the former De La Salle University standout said.

     

    For a player known for his relentless motor and physical style of play, the latest Gilas opportunity also serves as a chance to showcase how much his game has evolved since his UAAP days. 

     

    From becoming one of the country’s most versatile frontcourt players to earning recognition on the international stage, Phillips believes he is a more complete player than when he first joined the national team setup.

     

    His inclusion comes at a pivotal stage of the Philippines’ World Cup qualifying campaign. Gilas continues its quest for a place in the 2027 FIBA World Cup. The upcoming window is expected to provide a crucial test of the team’s depth and progress under Cone.

     

    Joining Phillips in the Final 12 are RJ Abarrientos, Justine Baltazar, Justin Brownlee, AJ Edu, June Mar Fajardo, Chris Newsome, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, Troy Rosario, Carl Tamayo, and Scottie Thompson, as Gilas prepares for another important chapter in its World Cup journey.

     

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