Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone remains unbothered by the national team’s back-to-back tuneup losses to South Korea, prioritizing the long-term process over immediate exhibition results ahead of the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. As the team prepares for their title defense starting September 11 against Bahrain, the coaching staff views these matches as essential dress rehearsals to prepare the players for the tournament's demands.
The South Korean Friendlies
The Defeats: Gilas absorbed staggering 81-55 and 69-42 defeats during the two-game Hana Bank Invitational in Suwon City.
Opponent Advantage: The South Korean squad showcased superior execution, having built strong chemistry together since the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers.
Offensive Struggles: In the second game, Gilas managed a dismal 16-of-61 field goal clip, sinking just three triples and committing 16 turnovers against a stiff Korean defense.
Coach Cone's Assessment
Taking the Blame: Cone refused to pin the disappointing outcomes on his players, stating that the coaching staff has not yet figured out how to best utilize the skills of the current roster.
Focusing on Growth: He emphasized that the team does not need to peak during invitational matches; the primary goal is to be competitive and fluid when the Asian Games officially begin.
Building Chemistry: The all-PBA Gilas squad is essentially a new group, meaning players are still "feeling each other out" and learning their specific roles on the court.
Roster Adjustments: Missing imposing big men like Kai Sotto, AJ Edu, and June Mar Fajardo, Cone plans to capitalize on the quickness of remaining bigs such as Justine Baltazar and Justin Arana to offset their lack of size.
Silver Linings
Standout Performances: Justine Baltazar delivered a solid showing in the first matchup, churning out a double-double with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals.
Newcomer Impact: Adrian Nocum made a promising debut in his first Gilas stint, contributing 10 points and four assists.
Cone firmly believes these setbacks will serve as crucial learning experiences for the coaching staff, helping them sharpen their execution and settle the players in before the continental competition kicks off.
Published-Vince