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Tag: Tim Cone

  • Injury blow for Barangay Ginebra as Japeth Aguilar is sidelined with lung complication 

    Injury blow for Barangay Ginebra as Japeth Aguilar is sidelined with lung complication 

    The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel once again showed why they remain one of the premier franchises in the Philippine Basketball Association, overpowering the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, 119–107, on Sunday, April 26, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The victory allowed the Gin Kings to continue their steady rise in the standings as the Commissioner’s Cup elimination round intensifies.

     

    Barangay Ginebra leaned on its star duo of Justin Brownlee and RJ Abarrientos, who delivered another offensive masterclass. Brownlee led the charge with 35 points, showcasing his all-around brilliance and leadership, while Abarrientos provided a crucial scoring punch with 25 markers, keeping the pressure on the Titan defense throughout the contest. Their combined firepower proved too much for the Risers, particularly in the second half where Ginebra created enough separation to secure the win.

     

    Despite the convincing result, the Gin Kings had to navigate the game without veteran big man Japeth Aguilar, whose absence was felt in the paint. Aguilar was sidelined due to a lung issue and is currently recovering in the hospital after suffering a hard fall during Ginebra’s 115–107 victory over the Blackwater Bossing last weekend.

     

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    The team remains optimistic about Aguilar’s condition. He is expected to be discharged either Monday or Tuesday, though his return to game action remains uncertain. His injury has prompted concern given his importance to Ginebra’s interior defense and rebounding presence, but early indications suggest the situation is not life-threatening.

    Head coach Tim Cone addressed Aguilar’s status during the postgame press conference, admitting that even he is still trying to fully understand the medical details.

     

    “I really can’t tell you, I can’t even pronounce the words they were using. He basically has some air in his lungs and they had to take it out. There is a medical term for it, but I can’t tell you what it is,” Cone said.

     

    “I believe he is still in the hospital. We expect him to come out tomorrow or Tuesday. We don’t really know a timeframe in terms of when he will be back to the lineup and be ready to play, I think the first step is wait for him to leave the hospital.

     

    “He is out of danger and he is not serious apparently. I hope I’m telling you the right information, but that’s what I know so far. Hopefully, we will put a game plan together in terms of getting him back in the lineup,” he concluded.

     

    In Aguilar’s absence, Ginebra’s depth and system once again came to the fore. The team compensated with increased activity on both ends, relying on quick ball movement, perimeter shooting, and disciplined defense to neutralize any disadvantage inside. Their ability to adapt without one of their key veterans underscores the depth and championship pedigree that has defined the franchise for years.

     

    With momentum on their side, the Gin Kings will look to extend their winning run when they face the Meralco Bolts on Friday, May 1, once again at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The upcoming matchup presents another opportunity for Ginebra to solidify its position in the standings while continuing to adjust in the absence of Aguilar.

     

     

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  • Justin Brownlee stands by Tim Cone amid Gilas criticism 

    Justin Brownlee stands by Tim Cone amid Gilas criticism 

    The noise came quickly.

     

    After Gilas Pilipinas absorbed consecutive losses to New Zealand and Australia in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, the spotlight swung hard toward one man — Tim Cone. And with it came the familiar debate: Is the triangle offense still fit for the modern international game?

     

    Justin Brownlee isn’t entertaining that conversation.

     

    For the naturalized forward who has won titles under Cone for nearly a decade with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, the criticism feels premature — and misplaced.

     

    “The triangle is a little difficult to learn, but I think once you learn it, it can definitely benefit your offense, as far as getting you easy shots,” Brownlee said.

    In today’s global game, where pace-and-space principles dominate and quick-trigger threes are currency, Cone’s read-and-react system has been labeled by some as too deliberate. It demands spacing discipline, synchronized cuts, post reads, and instinctive reactions — elements that thrive on continuity.

     

    And that’s where the Gilas challenge lies.

     

    Unlike a PBA club that trains daily, the national team gathers in short windows. Chemistry must be built quickly. Timing must be rediscovered on the fly. Installing a layered system under those conditions is far different from refining it over months.

     

    “It’s kind of difficult maybe going from one offense and going to another offense to be fluent in it. But you also got to credit the other team that we played. You know, they’re really tough,” Brownlee said.

     

    Cone’s resume, however, speaks loudly. Twenty-five PBA championships. Decades of sustained success. A system that, when mastered, generates high-percentage looks without overreliance on isolation or repetitive ball screens.

     

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    For Brownlee, abandoning that identity after two losses would ignore a larger picture.

     

    “We got a lot of learning experience from those two games. Of course, we didn’t get to win and things didn’t go our way. But I think the experiences we got from the window is gonna be very helpful to carry it over into the next games with Australia, the next window,” he said.

     

    “And even after that, we take those over to the next teams we’ll face.”

     

    To him, the qualifiers are not a referendum — they are a process.

     

    And while public debate often centers on X’s and O’s, Brownlee frames it around trust.

    “Obviously, over the years I’ve been playing with coach Tim, he has done an incredible job coaching the triangle. And obviously, guys from Ginebra have put a lot of time in the triangle,” he said.

     

    “At the end of the day, coach Tim is a very brilliant coach. He’s been coaching the triangle for years. It ain’t no secret why he’s the best coach in the Philippines. You know, he’s got the championships, he’s got the accolades and everything to back it up.”

     

    As the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup approaches, Brownlee has already returned to Ginebra practices — back under Cone, back within the triangle’s familiar geometry.

     

    “I didn’t start practice yet, but I did go up to practice today. I just met with the team for a little bit, watched practice for a little bit, and then I’ll be back at practice tomorrow,” he said.

     

    The debate may continue outside the locker room. Inside it, Brownlee’s stance is clear: systems can be questioned. Résumés cannot.

     

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  • Tim Cone expresses relief as Gilas advances to the next round despite setback

    Tim Cone expresses relief as Gilas advances to the next round despite setback

    Advancement is secured, but comfort is nowhere to be found for Gilas Pilipinas. After suffering a 93-66 defeat to world Australia at the Mall of Asia Arena, a loss that capped a winless second window.

     

    The Philippines remained safely through to the next phase of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

     

    Gilas’ early surge against the Boomers briefly ignited the home crowd, signaling belief against one of the powerhouses. But as the game went on, Australia’s depth and discipline took control, handing the Philippines a second straight defeat and leaving them at 2-2 in Group A.

     

    A sweep of Guam in the first window last year built enough cushion to guarantee progression. The losses to Australia and New Zealand dented momentum.

     

    “We’re not going to lose our berth in losing to New Zealand and Australia,” Gilas coach Tim Cone said.

     

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    The numbers back him up. Australia tops Group A at 4-0 and has already sealed its place in the next round. The Philippines and New Zealand are tied for second, while Guam sits winless at 0-4. With only the third and final window remaining in July, advancement is no longer the question.

     

    Unlike most tournaments where teams reset in the next stage, this format carries over results against fellow qualifiers. That technical detail transforms past losses into future pressure.

     

    “But these games are carry over. They’re still very, very important. We carry over with a bad record, it’s going to be much tougher for us. There should be no margin for error (in the second round).” Cone later pointed out.

     

    That margin may define the Philippines’ World Cup fate. A weaker carry-over record could force Gilas into near-perfection mode in the second round.

     

    Where Group A teams are expected to be bracketed into Group E alongside Middle Eastern contenders such as Jordan, Iran, and Syria. A strong foundation now could mean breathing room later.

     

    “So we need to at least get one win from the four games we played against Australia and New Zealand so that we can have a bigger margin for error,” said Cone. “If we don’t, we may have to do something like sweep the second round against the Middle Eastern teams.”

     

    For Gilas, advancement is secured — but advantage is not, and in a qualification campaign where every result lingers, the next window won’t just be about survival. It will be about shaping the road ahead.

     

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  • Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone unmoved by close call after loss to New Zealand

    Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone unmoved by close call after loss to New Zealand

    There was no search for silver linings inside the SM Mall of Asia Arena locker room Thursday night — only accountability.


    Despite a late surge that nearly flipped the script, Gilas Pilipinas walked away with a 66-69 loss to the New Zealand men’s national basketball team in the second window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, surrendering its unbeaten start in front of the home crowd.

     

    For head coach Tim Cone, coming close simply wasn’t enough.

     

    “I’m not going to sit here and pretend that I’m happy with our performance. The bottom line is we’re not going to feel good or take pride in the fact that we got close or we almost won,” Coach Tim Cone said.

     

    “Bottom line is we’re here to win, and we didn’t do that,” the coach of Gilas added.

     

    The Nationals trailed most of the night but showed urgency when it mattered. Five points in the final minute, capped with 8.1 seconds remaining, pulled Gilas within striking distance at 66-68.

    After Reuben Te Rangi split his free throws to push the lead to three, Dwight Ramos launched a desperate heave from near half court. The ball caught iron and bounced away, sealing Gilas’ first defeat.

     

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    Justin Brownlee, often Gilas’ offensive anchor, was limited to just four points, though he contributed across the stat sheet with six rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. Early stability instead came from Cjay Perez, who scored the team’s first 10 points and finished with 15 points and eight rebounds to keep the Nationals afloat.

     

    Inside, Quentin Millora-Brown and AJ Edu provided muscle and presence, a bright spot Cone acknowledged even in disappointment.

     

    “There were certain parts of the game where I thought we did well. We defended well. We competed on the board. I thought our big guys, Q and AJ played real well,” Cone said.

     

    “I hate saying that we didn’t make shots because there is more to the game than just making shots. That’s an easy explanation. But if you are saying that, just because you are not getting good shots, and we didn’t get the shots that we wanted.

     

    We didn’t get the flow that we wanted. Credit goes to them because they defended well as well.”

    New Zealand dictated that rhythm or lack of it. Their defense disrupted Gilas’ preferred flow, forcing difficult attempts and limiting transition opportunities.

     

    For Cone, the message moving forward is clear that the progress is measured in wins, not in how close a loss feels.

     

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  • Gilas second window lineup still open to changes ahead of Australia clash in FIBA qualifiers 

    Gilas second window lineup still open to changes ahead of Australia clash in FIBA qualifiers 

    Gilas Pilipinas’ roster for the second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers may already be set for its opening assignment, but head coach Tim Cone made it clear that the lineup remains flexible heading into the team’s next matchup against Australia.

     

    The national team finalized its 12-man lineup for the game against New Zealand, leaving Justine Baltazar, RJ Abarrientos, and Troy Rosario as the final cuts. However, their chances of seeing action in the same window remain alive since all three are still part of the 18-man pool submitted earlier by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

     

    Cone emphasized that the roster is being managed on a game-to-game basis, especially with the short turnaround between matchups and the evolving needs of the team.

     

    “We’ll see how things go. But no matter what happens, the players who don’t make it are still very much a part of the program and part of the pool, and can very well be the next guy up in the next window,” said Cone.

     

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    The flexibility also accounts for the absence of several pool members during the buildup, including naturalized big man Ange Kouame, forward Jamie Malonzo, and 7-foot-3 center Kai Sotto.

     

    For the New Zealand assignment, Gilas leaned on a balanced core led by veteran center June Mar Fajardo and naturalized star Justin Brownlee, along with rising frontcourt options AJ Edu and Quentin Millora-Brown.

     

    The perimeter rotation features steady contributors Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, CJ Perez, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, Carl Tamayo, and Scottie Thompson, with rookie guard Juan Gomez de Liaño serving as the new face for this window.

     

    With another high-level test looming against Australia, Gilas’ final combination could still shift—proof that competition within the pool remains just as crucial as the results on the floor.

     

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  • Tim Cone assures cut players they remain part of Gilas’ pool

    Tim Cone assures cut players they remain part of Gilas’ pool

    The road to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 intensifies as the second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers looms, with Gilas Pilipinas eager to sustain the momentum of its strong opening statement in Group A.

     

    The Philippines kicked off its qualifying campaign in dominant fashion during the first window, sweeping its assignments to remain unbeaten and assert itself early in the race for a spot in the tournament proper. The early results provided a glimpse of cohesion in head coach Tim Cone’s evolving system — a blend of veteran savvy and youthful energy anchored on discipline and defensive accountability.

     

    But the climb only steepens from here.

     

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    Awaiting Gilas in the next set of fixtures are Oceania powerhouses — the Australia men’s national basketball team and the New Zealand men’s national basketball team — two programs known for their physicality, depth, and consistent presence on the global stage. Australia, a perennial medal contender in major FIBA competitions, brings size across all positions and a system honed in elite international play. New Zealand, meanwhile, counters with toughness, structure, and a tradition of disciplined execution.

     

    For Cone and Gilas, the challenge is as much about internal competition as it is about preparing for world-class opposition.

     

    The veteran American mentor has yet to finalize his 12-man roster for the second window, emphasizing that selection remains fluid and performance-based. In Cone’s program, no roster spot is guaranteed — and no player left out is truly out of the picture.

     

    “You play yourself on, you play off the team, that’s what it is, that’s the bottomline, while the other thing is, no matter who is out for this final 12, they are still very much in, in the program,” Cone said during an appearance on Power and Play.

     

    Cone underscored that last-minute changes to the lineup are part of the natural evolution of a national team program. Chemistry, form, health, and tactical needs all factor into the final decisions. What matters most, he stressed, is that every player continues to develop within the framework Gilas is building toward 2027.

    “We have seen how things have changed, Quentin Millora-Brown coming in, Japeth Aguilar retiring, this is a normal progression for a basketball team. You want to continually grow and we all see how things go, but no matter what happens, those who won’t make it are still part of the pool,” he added.

     

    Indeed, transition has already been a theme for Gilas. The entry of big man Quentin Millora-Brown adds size and defensive versatility to the frontline, while the retirement of longtime pillar Japeth Aguilar marks the end of an era. Such changes highlight Cone’s long-term vision — blending continuity with calculated renewal.

     

    As it stands, the Gilas pool features a compelling mix of established stars and emerging talents. Naturalized ace Justin Brownlee is expected to spearhead the campaign once again, providing leadership and scoring punch on the wing. He is joined by veteran cornerstone June Mar Fajardo, whose interior presence remains a focal point on both ends of the floor.

     

    The backcourt and wing rotation includes steady contributors such as Dwight Ramos, Scottie Thompson, Calvin Oftana, CJ Perez, and Chris Newsome — players capable of defending multiple positions while thriving in Cone’s read-and-react offensive sets.

     

    Meanwhile, youth and length come in the form of AJ Edu and Millora-Brown, both of whom provide mobility and rim protection crucial against the towering frontlines of Australia and New Zealand.

     

    Still, competition for the remaining spots remains fierce. RJ Abarrientos, Troy Rosario, Carl Tamayo, Juan Gomez de Liano, and Justine Baltazar are all in contention, each bringing distinct strengths — from perimeter shot creation to rebounding and floor spacing.

     

    With only 12 slots available, the final decisions will hinge on matchups, versatility, and familiarity with Cone’s system. More than individual statistics, the emphasis remains on cohesion and role clarity.

     

    For Gilas Pilipinas, the objective extends beyond merely surviving the second window. The goal is to measure progress against elite competition, refine rotations under pressure, and solidify an identity capable of carrying the program through the long qualification grind.

     

    If the first window was about setting the tone, the second will be about proving sustainability. Against Oceania’s finest, Gilas will find out just how far its early promise can carry it — and how much further it still needs to go.

     

     

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  • “If you’re here to make money, it’s the wrong place”: Tim Cone emphasizes pride over pay for Gilas Pilipinas

    “If you’re here to make money, it’s the wrong place”: Tim Cone emphasizes pride over pay for Gilas Pilipinas

    Few coaches in Philippine basketball history can match the sustained excellence of Tim Cone, whose 25 championships have cemented his status as arguably the greatest bench tactician the Philippine Basketball Association has ever seen.

     

    Over a decorated career spanning decades, Cone built dynasties, shaped generations of stars, and mastered the nuances of the pro game. But beyond his domestic success, the American mentor has also embraced the responsibility of steering the national team. Now back at the helm of Gilas Pilipinas following the conclusion of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Cone is once again tasked with guiding the Philippines through the rigors of international competition.

     

    In a recent appearance on the Power and Play sports program, the 68-year-old coach offered insight into the culture he is determined to instill — one rooted not in financial incentives, but in national pride.

     

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    Cone revealed that from the very first team meeting, he made the program’s philosophy unmistakably clear.

     

    “We had a program from Day 1; we had it very clear to everyone, in our first Zoom meeting when we brought the original 12 guys, there is not gonna be anybody who’s gonna be making more money than somebody else, but whatever was going to be given, it was really, ‘take it or leave it,’” Cone said.

     

    The message, he explained, was deliberate and uncompromising: representing the country comes before personal gain.

     

    “Whether you join or not, it was just a philosophy that if you’re here with this group, with Gilas, if you’re there because you want to make money or a big salary whatever, it’s a wrong place for you to be,” he added.

    Cone emphasized that the privilege of wearing the Philippine jersey should be motivation enough — a belief he considers fundamental to building a cohesive and selfless national squad.

     

    “If you want to take pride, walk around the city and be able to see your family and say, ‘I will be one of the 12 guys that can say you’re on the national team,’ this is the place you wanna be in. But if you are there to make fabulous salaries, that ain’t gonna happen. We are gonna treat everybody equal. That’s what we are stuck to,” Cone continued.

     

    For Cone, equality and shared purpose form the backbone of sustained success. His approach mirrors the discipline and clarity that defined his championship runs in the PBA — clear roles, collective sacrifice, and an unwavering standard of accountability.

     

    Now, the challenge shifts to the international stage.

     

    Cone’s long-term objective is clear: secure qualification for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup and ultimately earn a berth in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles — a stage the Philippines has not graced in men’s basketball in decades. Achieving that goal will require consistency, depth, and resilience as Gilas navigates the grueling qualification windows.

     

    The immediate test comes in the second window of the FIBA qualifiers, where the Philippines will face formidable opposition. Gilas opens against New Zealand men’s national basketball team on Thursday, February 28, before squaring off with the Australia men’s national basketball team on Sunday, March 1 — two marquee matchups that could significantly influence the trajectory of their campaign.

     

    Both New Zealand and Australia bring physicality, international experience, and disciplined systems — precisely the kind of opposition that will test Cone’s structure and the players’ commitment to his philosophy. Maintaining their unbeaten record will demand poise in hostile environments, crisp execution on both ends of the floor, and leadership in pressure moments.

     

    For Cone, however, the blueprint remains simple: build a team that plays for the flag first.

    If Gilas can translate that collective pride into disciplined performances on the hardwood, the road to 2027 — and perhaps Los Angeles in 2028 — becomes clearer.

     

     

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  • Tim Cone praises Justine Baltazar’s versatility ahead of crucial qualifiers for Gilas Pilipinas

    Tim Cone praises Justine Baltazar’s versatility ahead of crucial qualifiers for Gilas Pilipinas

    The second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers is fast approaching, and Gilas Pilipinas aims to build on an impressive start as it continues its quest for a place in the tournament proper.

     

    The Philippines opened its Group A campaign in dominant fashion during the first window, sweeping its assignments to remain unbeaten. But the road only gets tougher from here. Awaiting Gilas in the next set of fixtures are Oceania heavyweights — the Australia national basketball team and the New Zealand national basketball team — two programs with size, depth, and international pedigree.

     

    Among the players looking to make a significant impact is center Justine Baltazar, who has rejoined the national team after a three-year absence. The 29-year-old big man was added to bolster Gilas’ interior presence, and head coach Tim Cone believes Baltazar’s size and versatility could provide a valuable boost.

     

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    “He has great size, he has great talent, he has great versatility. That is exactly what we are looking for in the national team — the ability to be a player that can do various things,” Cone said during an appearance on Power & Play. “He can step out, he can step in, he can take on a mismatch, he can block shots around the basket, he’s a dynamic rebounder. He just has a lot of versatility, so that’s what we are looking for.”

    Cone acknowledged that Baltazar is still adjusting to the national team’s system, particularly on the defensive end, but expressed confidence that the learning curve will be temporary.

     

    “The only thing he lacks — just like with Juan Gomez de Liano in our last window — is the depth of knowledge in terms of our system,” Cone explained. “Offensively, but even more so defensively, that’s really his only weakness point.

     

    “So once he gets that idea, he is going to be an extremely important piece. This is a great training ground for him right now, this window and going forward. He’s been playing well and he’s excited — you can see it in the way he practices.

     

    “He’s not afraid. He goes up against everybody. He’s not afraid to guard Justin Brownlee. He’s not afraid to go up against June Mar Fajardo or AJ Edu. He’s his own man — he’s really impressive.”

     

    Gilas opens the second window against New Zealand on Thursday, February 28, before facing Australia on Sunday, March 1 — two marquee matchups that could significantly shape the trajectory of its qualification campaign.

     

    With heightened competition, key roster adjustments, and national pride on the line, the Philippines will need poise, execution, and leadership to protect its unbeaten record and strengthen its push toward the 2027 FIBA World Cup.

     

     

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  • Tim Cone confident Justin Brownlee can match up with PBA’s tallest imports

    Tim Cone confident Justin Brownlee can match up with PBA’s tallest imports

    The moment Bol Bol touched down in the Philippines, all eyes were on him. The spotlight that greeted him wasn’t just for another import joining the Philippine Basketball Association — it was for one of the tallest, most physically gifted, and intriguing talents to ever step onto a PBA court. Bol’s arrival immediately shifted the conversation around the league’s import landscape, not just because of his height but also his combination of skill, mobility, and NBA experience.

     

    Listed at the same height as former PBA reinforcement PJ Ramos, who once played under Manny Pacquiao during his brief coaching stint with Kia Sorento in 2014, Bol brings global recognition and a modern skill set that few imports can match. His unique blend of size, length, and perimeter ability has made him an instant topic of discussion among coaches, analysts, and fans alike.

     

    Interestingly, the growing size of imports in the PBA hasn’t fazed Tim Cone, head coach of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. Cone remains confident that his star import, Justin Brownlee, can handle the new wave of towering reinforcements entering the league.

     

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    At 6-foot-6, Brownlee is considered on the shorter side for PBA imports, but size has never limited his effectiveness. Widely regarded as one of the greatest imports in PBA history, Brownlee has consistently proven his ability to dominate games against taller opponents with his quickness, versatility, and outside shooting.

     

    “The only guy that ever beat him in the Commissioner’s Cup was a guy that was his size. I’m not afraid to play bigger players with Justin. I think that’s when he is at his best. He is most challenged, number one. Number two, it’s really hard for those imports to match up with him because he is too quick, he can play outside,” Cone said in a media interaction.

    Cone also cited Brownlee’s unmatched record in the league as a reason for his confidence.

     

    “Until they prove to us that they can beat Justin, there is no reason to bring Justin out. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is the only guy that has been able to beat him so far,” he added.

     

    The only blemish Cone referred to came last season, during the Commissioner’s Cup finals, when Barangay Ginebra San Miguel fell to TNT Tropang Giga, led by star import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. That series is still remembered as one of the most compelling import matchups in recent PBA history, highlighting the challenge of matching Brownlee’s blend of skill, agility, and basketball IQ.

     

    With Bol Bol now entering the PBA, the stage is set for more high-profile matchups between elite imports. Cone’s confidence in Brownlee underscores not only the veteran import’s abilities but also the importance of experience, versatility, and leadership in navigating games against bigger, more athletic opponents. Analysts predict that this season could be one of the most physically imposing in recent PBA history, with teams like TNT Tropang Giga, Barangay Ginebra, and others fielding imports who combine size, skill, and international experience.

     

    For Ginebra fans, the key storyline is simple: whether it’s facing a towering talent like Bol or a versatile scorer like Hollis-Jefferson, Justin Brownlee remains the benchmark for import dominance in the PBA, and his ability to adapt will be a deciding factor in the Tropang Giga’s quest for another championship.

     

    As the new season unfolds, all eyes will be on these import showdowns — a proving ground where size, speed, and skill collide, and where veterans like Brownlee continue to cement their legacy against rising stars like Bol Bol. For the league, fans, and the players themselves, this promises to be a season defined by thrilling matchups and unforgettable performances.

     

     

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  • Justin Brownlee staying with Ginebra for Commissioner’s Cup says Tim Cone 

    Justin Brownlee staying with Ginebra for Commissioner’s Cup says Tim Cone 

    In a league where whispers travel fast and speculation often snowballs, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel wasted little time in shutting down talk surrounding the future of its most trusted reinforcement.

     

    Justin Brownlee, the face of Ginebra’s import legacy and now a naturalized Filipino, will remain firmly in Gin Kings colors for the upcoming PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup this March. Head coach Tim Cone made that stance unmistakably clear after online chatter linked Brownlee to a possible short-term stint with the Meralco Bolts.

     

    “Of course he’s our import (for the PBA Comm’s Cup),” Cone said on Tuesday.

     

    The clarification came on the heels of a rumor circulated by PBA Insider News, which claimed Meralco was exploring the idea of borrowing Brownlee for the import-laden conference. 

     

    The reported logic behind the move was continuity — preserving Brownlee’s existing chemistry with the Bolts during their ongoing 2026 East Asia Super League (EASL) campaign.

     

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    According to the same buzz, Meralco was supposedly waiting on Ginebra management’s decision, with EASL import Ismael Romero being floated as a fallback option should the request be rejected.

     

    Cone’s blunt response, however, effectively closed the door on any such scenario.

     

    More than just a roster decision, Ginebra’s insistence on keeping Brownlee underscores how central he remains to the franchise’s identity and ambitions. Over the years, Brownlee has evolved from a reliable import into a cultural fixture — a steady closer in pressure moments, a locker-room leader, and a proven championship catalyst.

     

    With the Commissioner’s Cup looming, Ginebra appears intent on continuity and familiarity, choosing stability over experimentation. And with Brownlee staying put, the Gin Kings signal that any title run this conference will once again be built around a partnership that has delivered time and time again.

     

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