Coach Tim Cone on Gilas Pilipinas’ Victory: “We’re Not Yet 100%”

Despite an impressive win against New Zealand, Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone reminded fans and players alike that the team is far from reaching its peak form. The veteran coach, known for his humility and focus on continuous improvement, shared his thoughts in the post-game press conference, emphasizing that while the victory was a morale booster, there’s still a long way to go before the team achieves its full potential.

A Win to Celebrate, But Lessons to Learn

The game saw Gilas Pilipinas execute a well-rounded performance, showcasing a mix of veteran leadership and youthful energy. Justin Brownlee led the team with his trademark scoring and court vision, while Scottie Thompson and Dwight Ramos made significant contributions on both ends of the floor. However, Coach Cone was quick to point out areas that need improvement.

“It was a good win, but let’s not kid ourselves,” Cone remarked. “We made mistakes, missed rotations, and there were stretches where we weren’t playing disciplined basketball. Against stronger teams, those mistakes could cost us.”

Key Areas for Improvement

Defensive Consistency

While Gilas showed flashes of defensive brilliance, there were moments when New Zealand found easy scoring opportunities in transition. Cone stressed the importance of maintaining focus for all 48 minutes of the game.

“Our defense was solid in the first half, but we let them get back into it during the third quarter,”

Cone said.

“If we want to compete at the highest level, we can’t afford those lapses.”
Turnovers

Sloppy ball-handling led to a handful of unforced turnovers, giving New Zealand chances to close the gap. Cone acknowledged this as a recurring issue that needs to be addressed.

“Turnovers are momentum killers, and we had a few too many tonight,”

he added.

Chemistry and Execution

While the team’s offensive sets were effective, Cone believes there’s room for more fluidity and understanding among the players.

“We’re still building chemistry,”

he explained.

“The guys are learning to play off each other, but it’s a process.”

Balancing Optimism with Realism

For Cone, the challenge lies in balancing the team’s morale-boosting victory with a realistic assessment of their current capabilities. He stressed the importance of staying grounded and focused on the bigger picture.

“We have to celebrate small victories, but we also need to stay humble,” Cone said. “The road to becoming a championship-caliber team is long, and we’re just getting started.”

Player Reactions

The players echoed their coach’s sentiments, acknowledging both the significance of the win and the need to improve.

Justin Brownlee: “It feels great to win, but Coach Tim is right—we’re not where we want to be yet. There’s a lot to work on.”
Scottie Thompson: “We know the expectations are high, and we’re working every day to meet them. Tonight was a step in the right direction.”

Looking Ahead

The victory over New Zealand is a stepping stone for Gilas Pilipinas as they prepare for tougher challenges in the FIBA qualifiers. The team’s next game will test their ability to address the weaknesses highlighted by Cone and build on their strengths.

Cone hinted at potential adjustments in both strategy and lineup as the tournament progresses. “We’re constantly evaluating. Every game is a learning experience, and we’ll use it to get better,” he said.

Conclusion

Coach Tim Cone’s candid acknowledgment of Gilas Pilipinas’ shortcomings despite their victory is a testament to his leadership and commitment to excellence. While the win against New Zealand is a positive step, Cone’s focus on continuous improvement sets the tone for the team’s journey ahead.

For fans, the message is clear: Gilas Pilipinas is on the rise, but the best is yet to come. With Cone at the helm and the players embracing the grind, the future of Philippine basketball looks brighter than ever.