Tim Cone says SBP still ‘up in the air’ on Gilas coaching job

Ginebra coach Tim Cone.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Tim Cone on Friday night shot down speculations that he has become a lock to become the coach of Gilas Pilipinas.

“I think everybody has jumped the gun on this,” Cone told reporters shortly after steering the Gin Kings past NorthPort, 106-93, to punch the third semifinal ticket in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

“That’s up to the (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas) and I think they are still up in the air about it,” he went on.

Cone has emerged as a favorite to call the shots for Gilas after a gilded run in the Hangzhou Asian Games back in October.

But Cone reiterated once again that night at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City what he has told the Inquirer in several previous interviews–including a telling one earlier this month where he revealed that he is one of the many candidates being interviewed for the post: That the situation is still open to discussion and that the national federation is being exhaustive with its search.

“They’ve interviewed me. They talked to me about it but there’s no firm answer yet. That’s where we are at this point,” Cone pointed out once more.

Gilas players carry head coach Tim Cone following their win over Jordan in the men’s basketball gold medal match at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

An earlier media report has named Cone as the basketball leaders’ choice. But the SBP has yet to make an announcement and the window to do so is also shrinking with the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers inching closer.

The qualification window for the continental officially gets going against Hong Kong on Feb. 22, which means that the national federation will have roughly a month to put together a competitive Gilas squad.

Also slated for July is the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, Gilas’ last chance to make the Summer Olympic Games that will be held in Paris, France.

“There’s nothing to ask me about Gilas. There is nothing going on. We’ve had some conversations but nothing’s been done so far,” Cone said.