BEING the seasoned veteran coach that he is, Barangay Ginebra’s Tim Cone knows that it is too early for the Gin Kings to push the panic button in the 41st Philippine Basketball Association.
Despite a terrible performance in their debut game against his former team Star, the new Ginebra mentor remains calm and composed as he thinks that it is just a learning curve for the Gin Kings as they are only starting to find their way around each other and their overall play.
“It’s not the start we wanted, but it’s just one game for us,’’ said a still optimistic Cone. “We’re looking at the big scheme of things for us and I believe we have a really good team that can improve as we go.’’
Still obviously unfamiliar with its new system, Ginebra got clobbered by Star and trailed as many as 31 points in a lethargic first half showing in its season opener last Sunday before eventually falling, 86-78.
Ginebra’s legion of fans were anxious throughout their team’s debut performance in the Philippine Cup as the Gin Kings were never in it from start to finish.
Cone wants the Ginebra fans to calm down despite the setback as he is confident that the team has the ability to settle down and be better as it continues to familiarize itself with each other as the conference goes.
“I’m still in the process of figuring out the right combinations and who to play on certain situations. What we have to do is be better each time. Hopefully, we can continue what we’re working on and get better as soon as we can at the right time,’’ said Cone.
The silver lining for Ginebra in that opening loss was the burly play of twin towers Japeth Aguilar and Greg Slaughter.
It was evident that they are Ginebra’s focal point of offense now and they did not disappoint with Slaughter scoring a game-high 28 points and Aguilar not far behind with 26 markers.
Cone expects the two to continue what they’re doing for Ginebra as they will carry most of the heavy load for the Gin Kings.
“It shows their capabilities. The offense is directed to them and they’ll have the opportunity to put up big numbers,’’ he said.
However, the systematic coach wants a lot more from his backcourt in order for Ginebra to finally get going.
“It’s still a 50-50 offense. We also need some contributions and plays from our backcourt. Our guards got to be able to contribute and that falls on me as well.’’
Games Wednesday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4:15 p.m. – NLEX vs. Barako Bull
7 p.m. – Meralco vs. San Miguel