After reclaiming Governors’ Cup, Tim Cone sets sight on elusive All-Filipino title

Brgy. Ginebra has accomplished its primary mission of reclaiming the Governors’ Cup throne after the Gin Kings made short work of Meralco in the recently concluded ‘Finals Trilogy’.

Now that the crowd darlings are back on top in the season-ending conference, head coach Tim Cone has turned his sights on an elusive target – the Philippine Cup. The league’s winning-est bench tactician last won it in 2014 while he has still at the helm of the Magnolia Hotshots while the Gin Kings last hoisted the trophy during the 2006-07 edition of the most prestigious tournament.

“We are certainly going to go for it,” said Cone after being reminded by chief playmaker LA Tenorio of their next target.

“LA came up to me and said, ‘We got to win in the all-Filipino. I haven’t won an all-Filipino yet.’ I think he is going to get everyone keyed up to win,” he added.

The 62-year old American mentor believes that the addition of 2018 PBA scoring champion Stanley Pringle made the team better equipped to make a serious run at the all-Filipino crown.

“We feel like we have the tools. We are going to have a substantial break so we will be able to kinda recharge our batteries and get keyed up for the all-Filipino,” said Cone.

“Stanley’s there as an anchor for the team. Japeth and Greg, they kinda take a step back usually when the imports come but it’s their time to step forward. I think we will have exciting rookies that are coming to the team and I think we will be a more complete all-Filipino team,” he added.

Winning it, however, is easier said than done admitted Cone with the powerhouse Beermen gunning for their sixth straight Philippine Cup title and the other teams bolstering their respective rosters for the upcoming all-Filipino battles.

“There is still June Mar and San Miguel, Talk ‘N Text and their ability to beat you up and down the court from the perimeter, NLEX is coming in. So many teams getting better. NorthPort with Standhardinger and Anthony over there. I’m not sure when Bolick is going to come back but he will make an impact in that team. CJ Perez is around the league, rookies coming in, everybody is going to be better.”