Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone could not help but compare Norman Black’s SEA Games 2025 national team to his 2023 Asian Games crew.
There’s no doubt in Tim Cone’s mind that the Norman Black-led Gilas Pilipinas will emerge triumphant in the Southeast Asian Games 2025.
Speaking to reporters after Ginebra’s 103-85 win over Blackwater in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup, Cone could not help but compare Black and his troops' situation to that of his 2023 Asian Games Gilas.
[RELATED STORY: GILAS SCHEDULE | Philippine basketball at SEA Games 2025]
Before copping the gold then, Cone had to hastily assemble a competitive squad around Justin Brownlee in China. Despite not being able to field the lineup they wished, they still went on to win it all.
“We could not get the players we wanted. It’s really magulo to the last two or three days before we left,” Cone recalled.
“I think that just motivated us and got us playing. We felt we’re underdogs, so we had that underdog mentality that took us all the way to the gold medal.”
Like the Nationals then, this iteration of Gilas also had to endure lineup woes amid the organizer’s confusing rules on eligibility.
[RELATED STORY: SBP relieved as Gilas Men finalize SEA Games roster after several eligibility changes]
Ultimately, naturalized Filipino Brownlee, to name a few, was barred from suiting up, and Black had to scramble for replacements.
“I think there’s a really good chance this could happen to Norman and his group. There’s always expectations for the Southeast Asian Games because we have dominated. But we’ve also brought strong teams,” said Cone.
“I think the only thing they’re going to lack, really, is size. So it will be really interesting to see how Norman plays with this group.”
[RELATED STORY: SEA Games: Thirdy Ravena, Matthew Wright, Ray Parks Jr. banner Gilas Men Final 12]
As the Filipino dribblers fly to Bangkok, Thailand to defend their throne, Cone has nothing but well wishes for the team.
“I wish them well. I wish Norman well, and I hope he does really well over there,” Cone said.
“I feel really guilty that I’m not coaching because I’m the Gilas coach. [But] I’m also happy to hand it off to Norman and give him this opportunity.”
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.