Of course, there are others, too. But let’s focus on Gray here.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel will likely miss the services of their biggest stars—including coach Tim Cone—the entire PBA On Tour.
Ginebra assistant coach Richard del Rosario already bared Christian Standhardinger and Stanley Pringle will no longer suit up in the preseason tilt. Meanwhile, Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, and Jamie Malonzo are expected to join Gilas Pilipinas’ build up for the FIBA World Cup.
That doesn’t mean Ginebra doesn't have aces in the fold who can take charge for the crowd favorites in the preseason tourney.
One of the Ginebra players expected to step up in lieu of the said stars is Jeremiah Gray.
Gray looked ready to take on that mantle after having an all-around outing of 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists against the San Miguel Beermen on Sunday. Despite the solid showing, though, Ginebra still lost, 90-78.
Gray, not coincidentally, will be one of the players Cone will be monitoring.
The longtime deputy said Cone, who watched Sunday’s loss but didn’t intervene with the coaching, can still give valuable inputs to the young Ginebra cagers like Gray.
“Maganda na makita niya, so he can give inputs kay Miah on how he can improve his game,” said del Rosario, who also mentioned Nards Pinto and Jayson David.
That’s why del Rosario knows he needs to stay in touch with the winningest coach in the PBA. After all, “adik naman sa basketball si coach Tim.”
“Kahit practice ng Gilas manonood yun. He’ll still be monitoring us,” he said.
Gray's development, in particular, will be under immense scrutiny, as he was the second overall pick of the 2022 PBA Draft and is widely considered as one of the most talented young players in the league.
(MDB)