Tim Cone to lead Gilas’ Asian Games campaign in China

Veteran PBA coach Tim Cone will head the Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign in the men’s basketball tournament of the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, later this month.

Cone’s appointment was announced in a press conference called by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and Philippine Basketball Association on Thursday.

The 65-year-old decorated bench tactician coached the Centennial Team in the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok, where the Filipinos placed third.

Cone also called the shots at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, where the Philippines successfully defended the regional crown on home soil.

He served as one of Chot Reyes’ deputies in the ongoing FIBA Basketball World Cup, where Gilas ended up in 24th place out of 32 countries.

Although the SBP has not yet announced the official roster for the Asian Games, the Philippine Olympic Committee has provided the organizers with the names of June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, Japeth Aguilar, Jamie Malonzo, Justin Brownlee, and Ange Kouame, among others.

Due to club obligations, World Cup players AJ Edu, Rhenz Abando, Dwight Ramos, Kai Sotto, and Jordan Clarkson would be unable to participate.

The Asian Games will take place from September 23 to October 8.