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Tag: Tim Cone

  • “It’s getting crazy”: Tim Cone fires back at TNT’s management over ‘unfair officiating’ narrative

    “It’s getting crazy”: Tim Cone fires back at TNT’s management over ‘unfair officiating’ narrative

    The TNT Tropang 5G moved one win away from a Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup title after edging Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 98-90, in Game 6 of the 2026 Finals on Sunday, June 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, forcing a decisive Game 7 in a fiercely contested best-of-seven series tied at 3-3.

     

    Backed by a raucous crowd of 22,731 fans, TNT delivered when it mattered most, leaning on a historic performance from former San Miguel Beermen import Chris McCullough. The high-flying forward erupted for 53 points and 22 rebounds in a dominant all-around display, carrying the Tropang 5G through crucial stretches and setting the tone on both ends of the floor as TNT extended the series to the limit.

     

    McCullough’s scoring outburst proved too much for Ginebra to contain, especially in the second half, where TNT repeatedly capitalized on mismatches and second-chance opportunities to build separation. His relentless activity on the glass and ability to score through contact proved decisive in a game defined by intensity and physicality.

     

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    Despite the defeat, Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone dominated headlines after the game, voicing frustration over what he described as a growing narrative surrounding officiating throughout the series. Cone, visibly emotional during and after the contest, pushed back against repeated suggestions that refereeing decisions had influenced the outcomes of the finals.

     

    “I’m just getting real tired of the idea that if we win, it’s because we got favors from the referees. And when they win, it’s about great coaching and great play. It’s a narrative that’s getting really old, and it’s starting to bother me a little bit,” Cone said in the postgame press conference.

    Although Cone did not directly name TNT head coach Chot Reyes, his remarks appeared to address ongoing criticisms from the Tropang 5G camp regarding officiating, particularly surrounding free-throw disparities in earlier games of the series.

     

    The Ginebra tactician further expressed disbelief over what he perceives as inconsistent framing of the series depending on the outcome.

     

    “It’s unfair. I have coached against Ginebra for 27 years. It’s now gotten to a point where it’s gotten crazy. It’s the referees for us, and it’s great coaching and great plays for them,” he added.

     

    The tension between both camps has added another layer of drama to what has already become one of the most tightly contested PBA Finals in recent memory, with momentum swinging back and forth since Game 1.

     

    Even in defeat, Cone found positives in Ginebra’s performance, highlighting the contributions of his core players including Justin Brownlee, RJ Abarrientos, and Scottie Thompson, along with several younger teammates who stepped into larger roles under pressure.

     

    “You’re not gonna see that very often, so we are gonna feel good about ourselves in Game 7. We know we can take this and we are gonna go for it. I just hope that if we do win, they don’t turn around and say it’s about the referees again,” Cone concluded.

     

    With the series now locked at 3-3, all eyes turn to a winner-take-all Game 7 scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, where TNT and Ginebra will battle for the Commissioner’s Cup crown in what promises to be a dramatic finale.

     

     

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  • Kai Sotto, Quentin Millora-Brown will not suit up for Gilas in FIBA Qualifiers says Tim Cone 

    Kai Sotto, Quentin Millora-Brown will not suit up for Gilas in FIBA Qualifiers says Tim Cone 

    The challenge facing Gilas Pilipinas in the next FIBA World Cup qualifying window may not be about who will play—it may be about who won’t.

     

    As the national team prepares for a daunting road trip against regional heavyweights Australia and New Zealand, Gilas is set to navigate the window without two of its most important frontcourt pieces, creating a significant void in the middle just weeks before competition resumes.

     

    National team head coach Tim Cone confirmed that both Kai Sotto and Quentin Millora-Brown will be unavailable for the upcoming assignment, stripping the Philippines of two players who were expected to anchor the team’s interior presence.

     

    “QMB is out after back surgery in Japan. And so is Kai, officially. We’re told Kai is attending the NBA Summer League, which we are happy about. We’re supporting his road to the NBA,” Gilas head coach Tim Cone told me in a Tuesday night interview.

     

    The timing leaves Gilas searching for answers at a position that has long been one of its greatest strengths. Sotto’s size, rim protection, and international experience have made him a cornerstone of the program, while Millora-Brown quickly emerged as a reliable contributor after joining the national team setup.

     

    With both unavailable, attention naturally shifts to the veterans expected to shoulder a heavier burden.

     

    One of them is June Mar Fajardo, who had initially hoped to take a step back from national team duties as he explored the possibility of undergoing surgery.

     

    Instead, circumstances have once again called on the longtime Gilas pillar.

     

    According to Cone, the nine-time PBA MVP agreed to postpone those plans and make himself available for the national team after learning of the growing personnel concerns in the frontcourt.

     

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    His decision gives Gilas a much-needed stabilizing force as it prepares for arguably its toughest assignments of the qualifying campaign.

     

    The uncertainty does not end there.

     

    TNT star Calvin Oftana also revealed on Tuesday that he is scheduled to undergo surgery on an infected toe immediately after the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against Barangay Ginebra, creating another situation the coaching staff will need to monitor closely in the coming weeks.

     

    Despite the mounting injury concerns, Cone remains focused on assembling the roster that will represent the country in the next window.

     

    While declining to discuss specific replacements or potential additions, the veteran coach indicated that the official lineup will be finalized soon.

     

    “We will be announcing the 12 players for the next window in a few days.”

     

    For Gilas, the upcoming qualifiers were already expected to be a difficult test against two of the strongest programs in Oceania. Now, with key pieces sidelined and roster adjustments becoming unavoidable, the challenge has become even greater.

     

    The next few days may determine not only who fills those vacant roster spots, but also how the Philippines plans to compete without two of the biggest names in its frontcourt rotation.

     

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  • RJ Abarrientos prioritizes winning over stats after leading Barangay Ginebra to PBA Finals

    RJ Abarrientos prioritizes winning over stats after leading Barangay Ginebra to PBA Finals

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel once again reinforced its reputation as one of the Philippine Basketball Association’s most dominant franchises after securing a 118-107 victory over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in Game 6 of their 2026 Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series on Sunday, May 30, at a packed Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

    The win allowed the Gin Kings to close out the best-of-seven series, 4-2, and punch their ticket to the conference finals, continuing a deep playoff run powered by a blend of veteran leadership and the emergence of a new generation of contributors.

     

    As has often been the case in high-pressure situations, Justin Brownlee once again set the tone for Ginebra. The veteran import delivered a commanding performance on both ends of the floor, while young guard RJ Abarrientos provided sustained scoring punch and composure beyond his years as the duo led the charge in sealing the series-clinching win.

     

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    Brownlee’s continued excellence further cements his legacy as one of the most impactful imports in PBA history, consistently delivering in crucial moments for the franchise. Alongside him, Abarrientos continued his rapid rise as one of the league’s brightest young guards, showcasing his growing confidence and offensive versatility in the postseason spotlight.

     

    The former Rookie of the Year has been particularly impressive throughout the semifinal series, stringing together back-to-back 30-point outings and proving to be a difficult matchup for Rain or Shine’s defensive schemes.

     

    Despite his standout numbers, Abarrientos emphasized that his focus remains on team success rather than individual accolades.

     

    “I don’t care about my score and stats. Ang focus ko dito is maging second coach sa loob ng court. Kailangan kong makapag-create sa teammates ko. It’s just doing my thing, mga maliliit na bagay,” Abarrientos said in a media interaction.

    His consistency has given Ginebra another reliable scoring option alongside Brownlee, allowing the team to maintain offensive balance and flexibility throughout the series. With defenses increasingly focusing on limiting the veteran import, Abarrientos has capitalized on his opportunities, attacking mismatches and creating plays in key stretches.

     

    Now one of Ginebra’s most reliable postseason performers in this series, the 26-year-old guard is determined to sustain his form as the team shifts its focus to the championship stage.

     

    “Kung ano yung ibigay sa akin, kailangan ko lang mag-execute at aralin kung ano yung pwede kong i-counter. They know na lalaro ako ng 20 to 30 minutes, and different guys will defend me and bump me, so I wish I could do that in the Finals also,” he added.

     

    Ginebra head coach Tim Cone, known for his trust in disciplined systems and player development, was full of praise for Abarrientos and the team’s young core, particularly their ability to withstand playoff pressure and execute in high-stakes moments.

     

    “They were targeting him and putting multiple players on him to get him out of his game, but his strength and character didn’t allow that. His determination tonight was just amazing. He had it in his face and body language that he was going to have a big game tonight. He put together back-to-back huge games, and that’s difficult in the playoffs,” Cone stated.

     

    The veteran coach also highlighted the collective effort of the roster, noting how several young and less experienced players have stepped up at critical junctures of the conference, helping Ginebra sustain its championship push despite the intensity of the semifinal battle.

     

    With the victory, Barangay Ginebra now advances to the Commissioner’s Cup Finals, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal series between TNT Tropang Giga and the Meralco Bolts. The league has yet to finalize the schedule and venue for the championship series, but anticipation is already building for another potential classic featuring one of the PBA’s most storied franchises.

     

    As Ginebra moves one step closer to another title opportunity, the combination of Brownlee’s proven brilliance and Abarrientos’ rising star power continues to make them one of the most formidable forces in the league heading into the finals.

     

     

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  • “He is a tough kid”: Tim Cone salutes RJ Abarrientos after playing through broken nose in Game 3 win

    “He is a tough kid”: Tim Cone salutes RJ Abarrientos after playing through broken nose in Game 3 win

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel moved within striking distance of a return to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals after grinding out a tense 103-98 victory over Rain or Shine in Game 3 of their best-of-seven semifinal showdown on Sunday, May 24, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    Backed by another poised performance from longtime resident import Justin Brownlee and a fearless effort from rookie guard RJ Abarrientos, the Gin Kings seized a pivotal 2-1 series lead and gained momentum heading into a crucial Game 4 encounter.

     

    As he has done countless times in high-pressure situations, Brownlee delivered when Ginebra needed him most. The veteran reinforcement finished with 24 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds while expertly controlling the tempo and orchestrating the offense in the closing minutes. Brownlee’s steady presence once again proved invaluable as the Gin Kings weathered repeated comeback attempts from a gritty Rain or Shine squad.

     

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    Abarrientos, meanwhile, continued to cement his growing reputation as one of the league’s toughest young guards. The rookie floor general chipped in 17 points, five assists, and three rebounds despite playing through a painful broken nose suffered during Game 2 after taking an elbow from Rain or Shine forward Jhonard Clarito.

     

    Initially entering the game wearing a protective mask, Abarrientos quickly abandoned it after struggling to adjust while on the floor. Rather than allow the discomfort to affect his rhythm, the young guard elected to continue the game without it, drawing admiration from teammates, coaches, and fans alike for his toughness and determination.

     

    “Parang hindi ako makahinga kapag may mask, hindi ko makuha yung rhythm ko. Mag-mamask talaga dapat. Pero wala eh, pag hindi kumportable, aalisin ko talaga. Yun din sabi sa akin, pag hindi kumportable, alisin ko na lang. Ganun talaga kaya nilaro ko na lang,” Abarrientos said after the game.

     

    Despite visibly dealing with pain throughout the contest, Abarrientos never backed down from the physicality of the semifinal battle. He attacked the defense aggressively, made timely baskets, and handled significant minutes as Ginebra leaned heavily on its backcourt execution late in the game.

    His willingness to play through injury earned glowing praise from veteran head coach Tim Cone, who highlighted the rookie’s courage and competitive spirit during the postgame press conference.

     

    “We were hoping that he would wear a mask. But he was complaining about it even yesterday when we brought it over. He was complaining about it before the game. I wasn’t surprised that he took it and threw it at my feet,” Cone said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    Cone went on to commend Abarrientos for refusing to sit out despite the severity of the injury and the physical demands of a tightly contested playoff game.

     

    “He is a tough kid. Really, really tough kid. His nose was like this big but he wanted to play tonight. He wanted to win tonight. He could be one of those guys that said, ‘I’m hurt, I can’t play.’ He came out and played 41 minutes and 43 seconds with pretty much a busted nose,” he added.

     

    The victory underscored Ginebra’s growing confidence as the series progresses. After splitting the first two games, the Gin Kings appeared more composed and efficient down the stretch in Game 3, executing key plays on both ends to fend off the Elasto Painters’ relentless challenge. Their experience in pressure-packed postseason situations ultimately made the difference in the final minutes.

     

    For Rain or Shine, the loss places the team in a difficult position as it now faces the urgency of trying to even the series before Ginebra can move to the brink of another Finals appearance. The Elasto Painters showed resilience throughout the contest but struggled to contain Ginebra’s late-game execution and Brownlee’s playmaking brilliance.

     

    With momentum clearly shifting toward the league’s most popular franchise, Barangay Ginebra will attempt to tighten its grip on the semifinal series when the two teams collide again in Game 4 on Wednesday, May 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Another victory would place the Gin Kings just one win away from the Commissioner’s Cup Finals, while Rain or Shine faces mounting pressure to respond and prevent the series from slipping further out of reach.

     

     

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  • Scottie Thompson powers Barangay Ginebra past Rain or Shine for 2-1 PBA semis lead

    Scottie Thompson powers Barangay Ginebra past Rain or Shine for 2-1 PBA semis lead

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel moved a step closer to the Commissioner’s Cup Finals after carving out a hard-fought 103-98 victory over Rain or Shine in Game 3 of their best-of-seven semifinal series on Sunday, May 24, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The Gin Kings now hold a crucial 2-1 advantage in the series heading into the pivotal fourth game.

     

    As expected, resident import Justin Brownlee once again delivered in the biggest moments, finishing with 24 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds while orchestrating Ginebra’s offense with his trademark composure and efficiency. Rookie guard RJ Abarrientos also continued his impressive playoff run, contributing 17 points, five assists, and three rebounds to provide additional firepower for the crowd favorites.

     

    But on a night loaded with standout performances, it was veteran guard Scottie Thompson who stole the spotlight.

     

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    Thompson produced another all-around masterpiece, tallying 25 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and three steals while knocking down five three-pointers to help Ginebra fend off repeated comeback attempts from the Elasto Painters. Time and again, Thompson delivered timely baskets and hustle plays that energized both his teammates and the sea of Ginebra supporters inside the arena.

     

    Despite his stellar outing, Thompson remained humble after the victory and immediately shifted the credit toward the team’s system and preparation under head coach Tim Cone.

    “Yung flow ng offense namin yun, and we move well without the ball, so maraming nao-open. Honestly, I don’t know what to say. I’m just overwhelmed and blessed,” Thompson said after the game.

     

    The victory highlighted Ginebra’s balanced attack and championship experience, particularly in crunch time where the team executed with poise on both ends of the floor. Rain or Shine stayed within striking distance for most of the contest, but the Gin Kings leaned on their veteran core and disciplined execution to preserve the win late in the fourth quarter.

     

    Cone, who has coached Thompson since selecting him fifth overall in the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft, was full of admiration for the former league MVP’s relentless work ethic and consistency over the years.

     

    “There’s nobody better than a guy who comes out and does his job literally every game and every practice. He does all the stuff that no one else wants to do, and it’s just amazing to watch that day in and day out for 10 years now. He just comes to work every game and every day, and he does that day in and day out,” Cone added.

     

    For Cone, Thompson’s performance was hardly surprising. Over the years, the hardworking guard has built a reputation as one of the league’s most dependable stars — a player capable of impacting games far beyond the scoring column through rebounding, defense, hustle plays, and leadership.

     

    With momentum now on their side, Barangay Ginebra will look to tighten its grip on the series when the two squads meet again in Game 4 on Wednesday, May 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Meanwhile, Rain or Shine faces mounting pressure as it attempts to level the series against a Ginebra side that appears to be finding its rhythm at the perfect time.

     

     

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  • Tim Cone slams Barangay Ginebra’s lack of discipline after Game 1 collapse vs Rain or Shine 

    Tim Cone slams Barangay Ginebra’s lack of discipline after Game 1 collapse vs Rain or Shine 

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel opened its PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinal campaign on a sour note after surrendering a double-digit fourth-quarter lead in a stunning 115-111 defeat to Rain or Shine in Game 1 on Wednesday, May 20, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

     

    Despite appearing to be in full control midway through the final period, Ginebra faltered down the stretch as Rain or Shine unleashed a decisive late-game rally anchored on the explosive performances of import Jaylen Johnson and forward Jhonard Clarito. Johnson erupted for 40 points while Clarito added 25 markers, powering the Elasto Painters to a crucial opening-game victory in the best-of-seven semifinal series.

     

    Adrian Nocum and Mike Malonzo also delivered timely contributions for Rain or Shine, chipping in 16 and 12 points, respectively, as the squad repeatedly punished Ginebra in transition and capitalized on costly turnovers in the closing minutes.

     

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    What made the loss even more frustrating for the Gin Kings was the fact that they squandered a 10-point advantage in the fourth quarter despite another vintage performance from resident import Justin Brownlee. The longtime Ginebra reinforcement once again carried the offensive load, finishing with 32 points, five rebounds, and five assists, but his efforts ultimately went for naught as Rain or Shine executed better in crunch time.

     

    Following the heartbreaking defeat, Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone did not mince words when assessing his team’s performance, particularly their lack of composure and discipline during the pivotal final stretch.

     

    “They hit the bigger shots and we played their game tonight,” Cone said during the postgame press conference.

    The veteran tactician lamented how Ginebra allowed Rain or Shine to dictate the tempo, pointing out that the Gin Kings fell into the trap of engaging in a fast-paced contest that favored their opponents.

     

    Cone stressed that unless his team regains its focus and discipline, their hopes of advancing to the finals could quickly slip away.

     

    “If we are going to continue to be like that, we are not going to win many games in this series. We have got to be tougher, we have got to be better, we have got to be more disciplined. They hit the bigger shots and made the bigger plays down the stretch.

     

    “The bottom line is we gave up way too many games. We made them play their running game and we made too many turnovers. We have got to be better locked in next time,” he added.

     

    The loss places immediate pressure on Ginebra heading into Game 2 as they now face the challenge of avoiding a dangerous 0-2 hole in the series. Known for their resilience under Cone, the Gin Kings will need to make significant adjustments defensively and take better care of the basketball if they hope to slow down Rain or Shine’s high-octane offense.

     

    Meanwhile, the Elasto Painters gained a major confidence boost after stealing the series opener and proving they can match up against one of the league’s most decorated franchises. Their aggressive pace, balanced scoring, and ability to capitalize on transition opportunities exposed several defensive lapses on Ginebra’s end.

     

    All eyes will now turn to Game 2 on Friday, May 22, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, where Barangay Ginebra will attempt to regroup and even the series before Rain or Shine gains full momentum in the semifinals showdown.

     

     

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  • Tim Cone, Yeng Guiao rivalry adds another chapter as Ginebra and Rain or Shine collide anew 

    Tim Cone, Yeng Guiao rivalry adds another chapter as Ginebra and Rain or Shine collide anew 

    For decades, the PBA has evolved through different stars, dynasties, and eras. But somehow, Tim Cone and Yeng Guiao have remained constant.

     

    Now, more than 30 years since both first stepped into the league, the two coaching legends are once again standing on opposite sides of a playoff series — this time with a trip to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals hanging in the balance.

     

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Rain or Shine may headline the matchup on paper, but behind the teams stands a far deeper story: two of the most influential basketball minds the league has ever seen preparing to test philosophies that have shaped generations of Philippine basketball.

     

    One built dynasties through precision, discipline, and structure. The other forged his legacy weaponizing pressure, emotion, and relentless chaos. And somehow, both approaches kept winning for decades.

     

    That contrast is exactly why their rivalry continues to endure.

     

    “I just know how hard it is to go up against Yeng Guiao. His teams play the game extremely hard and extremely fast,” Cone admitted after Ginebra dismantled Phoenix, 112-81, to book its semifinal seat.

     

    The respect between the two runs deep because few coaches truly understand what the other has survived through.

     

    Cone arrived in the PBA in 1989 and almost immediately established himself as one of the league’s brightest tacticians. Guiao followed a year later, bringing with him the fiery personality and edge that would eventually define his coaching career.

     

    From there, their paths repeatedly crossed through changing generations of players and franchises.

     

    Cone collected championships through powerhouse systems, highlighted by Alaska’s legendary 1996 Grand Slam and San Mig Coffee’s historic repeat in 2014.

     

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    Meanwhile, Guiao became the league’s ultimate culture-builder — the coach who consistently convinced overlooked teams they could punch above their weight. He steered Red Bull to multiple championships in the early 2000s before later delivering Rain or Shine its breakthrough title in 2012.

     

    Perhaps most impressively, Guiao’s 2016 Commissioner’s Cup title with the Elasto Painters remains the last championship won by a team outside the SMC and MVP groups — a reminder of how dangerous his teams become when underestimated.

     

    Cone understands that better than most.

     

    “Coach Yeng is so experienced in all these things. Sometimes, I feel I have a little edge on that time, but not with coach Yeng. We came in the league at the same time and we’ve been coaching the same amount of years. He’s been through it all,” Cone added.

     

    This latest collision arrives with Ginebra carrying momentum after crushing Rain or Shine during the elimination round. But Cone knows playoff basketball erases old results quickly — especially against a Guiao-coached squad.

     

    “You don’t put too much salt in that game and you just have to let it go. Like I said, we know the kind of team that they present so that’s what we’re gonna be ready for, not our last game,” he insisted.

     

    Because if there is one lesson their rivalry has repeatedly taught the league over the years, it is this:

     

    No lead, reputation, or previous result ever feels safe once Cone and Guiao begin matching moves from opposite benches again.

     

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  • Tim Cone believes TNT can still reach PBA Finals despite struggling elimination round finish 

    Tim Cone believes TNT can still reach PBA Finals despite struggling elimination round finish 

    The TNT Tropang 5G’s title defense hangs in the balance after they entered the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup playoffs at the 8th seed, an unusual position for a talent-loaded squad reinforced by Bol Bol.


    But not everyone is ready to count out TNT just yet, including head coach Tim Cone of rival Barangay Ginebra.

     

    The Tropang 5G closed out the elimination round with a 93-86 loss to Cone’s Gin Kings, finishing in eighth place with a 6-6 record and entering the playoffs as the lowest seed and putting their title repeat bid in serious jeopardy as they will face twice-to-beat NLEX in the quarterfinals.

     

    But Cone believes TNT can still turn things around despite their shaky campaign so far, stressing that the Tropang 5G remains a dangerous threat to any opponent in the playoffs.

     

    “I think they probably got a match-up that they like against NLEX. That’s going to be an interesting series. Talk ‘N Text can turn it around in a heartbeat and find themselves in the finals easily. That’s a team that everybody’s eyes are on,” the veteran Ginebra coach said. 

     

    One of the things that has Cone believing that TNT can flip the switch anytime is the presence of Bol. The 7-foot-3 import and former NBA player is the conference’s highest-scoring import, currently averaging 38.64 points, 15.09 rebounds and 1.55 assists in 12 games.

     

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    On Sunday, Bol proved exactly why he is such a matchup problem in his first clash with Ginebra and its star import Justin Brownlee, a three-time Best Import and six-time PBA champion. 

     

    Bol erupted for 33 points alongside 10 rebounds, five blocks, and three assists in a dominant all-around performance. Beyond the competition, Cone said it is an honor to see a talent like Bol showcase his skills in the PBA.

     

    What makes TNT’s playoff journey even more intriguing is how unfamiliar this road has become for a franchise long associated with consistency and deep postseason runs. 

     

    Instead of entering the quarterfinals with momentum and security, the Tropang 5G now carry the pressure of surviving every game while leaning heavily on Bol’s brilliance to spark a late surge. Yet that underdog role may quietly work in TNT’s favor. 

     

    With expectations lowered after their uneven 6-6 campaign and a tough 93-86 defeat to Ginebra, the defending champions suddenly become a far more unpredictable team — one capable of turning every playoff game into a high-risk shootout behind Bol’s 33-point explosion and the championship experience still embedded within the roster.

     

    The 8th seed is set to face the NLEX Road Warriors on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

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  • Justin Arana, Mike Phillips included in Gilas’ expanded Asian Games long list, says Tim Cone 

    Justin Arana, Mike Phillips included in Gilas’ expanded Asian Games long list, says Tim Cone 

    For Tim Cone, preparing for the 2026 Asian Games is no longer just about finding the best players available.

     

    It is also about preparing for uncertainty.

     

    Still carrying lessons from Gilas Pilipinas’ dramatic gold medal run in Hangzhou, Cone revealed that the national team is taking a far more cautious approach this time by building a much larger pool of possible candidates for the continental meet.

     

    Among those included in the initial long list is Justin Arana, although Cone quickly clarified that the inclusion should not be interpreted as a guaranteed roster spot.

     

    “We needed a long list for the Asian Games so we put a long list together. It’s a list of about 30 names,” said Cone. “Arana is part of that list obviously.”

     

    Cone explained that the expanded list is mainly a safeguard against eligibility complications similar to the ones Gilas encountered during the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou, where the team had to make late adjustments after some players failed to meet eligibility requirements.

     

    Despite the roster chaos at the time, Gilas Pilipinas still completed a memorable gold medal run.

     

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    “This has nothing to do with the windows at this point. This is just strictly for the Asian Games,” Cone clarified, emphasizing that the long list is separate from the core pool being considered for upcoming FIBA competitions.

     

    Cone also confirmed that Mike Phillips — recently classified by FIBA as a local player — is part of the same extended pool.

     

    Rather than locking in combinations early, Cone said the coaching staff wants flexibility this far ahead of the tournament.

     

    “We don’t know the eligibility rules that are going to happen. Last (Asian Games), we had a long list put together and there were players out there that didn’t get eligible,” said the veteran coach.

    “Last Asian Games, we scrambled for players at the very end because the list wasn’t a representative of what the eligibility rules were. So we made a long list [this time] hoping that these guys will be eligible and we will have a bigger pool to pick from.”

     

    For Cone, the expanded list is less about final decisions and more about avoiding the same last-minute problems that once forced Gilas to improvise on the fly before eventually striking gold.

     

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  • “It’s an honor to have him in the country”: Tim Cone on TNT import Bol Bol

    “It’s an honor to have him in the country”: Tim Cone on TNT import Bol Bol

    The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel closed out their 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup elimination round in emphatic fashion, outlasting the TNT Tropang Giga, 93-86, on Sunday, May 10, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    The victory allowed Ginebra to secure third place in the standings with a strong 9-3 win-loss record, capping off a consistent elimination round campaign. More importantly, the result dealt TNT its third consecutive defeat in the conference, raising questions about the defending Commissioner’s Cup champions’ form heading into the playoffs.

     

    Despite the loss, TNT import Bol Bol delivered another standout performance, finishing with 33 points and 10 rebounds in a dominant individual showing. His size, skill, and versatility continued to pose major problems for opposing defenses, even as Ginebra managed to contain the overall impact of the Tropang Giga.

     

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    Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone acknowledged the challenge of defending the former NBA standout, praising both his performance and his presence in the league.

    “Well, I mean, we feel like we played great defense against him and he still scores 33 points. It’s like we held him to 33 points tonight. He’s such a force in the game, especially here in our game,” Cone said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    “They talk about him so much in the NBA, too, when he’s out there playing. Everybody’s so thrilled to watch him play. We have had the honor to watch him play 12 games here now, and I think it’s an honor to have him in the country. It’s just a real challenge to go up against him. You know, this was a non-bearing game, but he came to play. That’s the kind of team and he’s the kind of player that can just elevate their game for the playoffs,” he added.

     

    Ginebra’s balanced attack and defensive discipline proved decisive down the stretch, allowing them to pull away in the closing minutes despite TNT’s late push. The win also served as an important momentum boost as the franchise shifts its focus to the postseason.

     

    With the elimination round now complete, the Gin Kings enter the quarterfinals brimming with confidence and holding a crucial twice-to-beat advantage. They are set to face the Phoenix Fuel Masters in their quarterfinal matchup scheduled for Friday, May 15, back at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    As the playoffs begin, Ginebra’s strong finish positions them as one of the top contenders, while TNT will look to regroup after a rough end to the eliminations, hoping to rediscover their championship form in do-or-die territory.

     

     

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