Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone has confirmed that his system requires “big men,” especially in the backcourt, to ensure his team is not “overwhelmed” defensively. This strategic preference highlights Cone's emphasis on size and defensive capability, critical elements he believes are necessary for competing at the highest levels of international basketball.
Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone talks about the next window where one of their opponents will be New Zealand in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers in November | @spinph pic.twitter.com/o2ArNL21eH
— Reuben Terrado (@reubensports) July 16, 2024
It’s worth noting that Cone does have enough size in his current roster, as evidenced by Gilas’ squad in the recently concluded Olympic Qualifying Tournament, held in Riga, Latvia. With 7-foot-2 Kai Sotto, 6-foot-10 June Mar Fajardo, 6-foot-4 Dwight Ramos, and 6-foot-2 Chris Newsome, Gilas had enough size manning the backcourt. This formidable lineup played a crucial role in their impressive performance during the tournament.
The presence of big men in defense played a key role in Gilas’ 89-80 victory over World No. 6 Latvia, which was their first win over European opposition in 64 years. This historic victory underscored the effectiveness of Tim Cone’s strategy and highlighted the importance of having physically imposing players on the court. However, Cone has not closed the door on the smaller guards making it to the national team.
“I’m just a little bit different that I look at defensive matchups first. I like big guards so I don’t get overwhelmed defensively. And that’s important to me as it’s just my system - the way I coach and the way I see the game. If you asked former Gilas head coach Chot Reyes, he wouldn’t demand big guards as he likes speed and the open court. If you ask most coaches, I think they are going to be that way,” Cone said in a media interaction..
Tim Cone’s coaching philosophy contrasts with that of his predecessors and contemporaries. While some coaches prioritize speed and agility, Cone places a premium on size and defensive prowess. His approach has shaped the team’s composition, leading to the selection of players who can effectively guard multiple positions and contribute to a robust defensive scheme.
“That’s why we got a Newsome, a Dwight Ramos. Other guys, like Matthew Wright, would have been great for us or some guys who can play guard and transition back and be bigger, which we saw in Dwight,” Cone elaborated. This emphasis on versatility and size has enabled the team to adapt to various defensive challenges, ensuring that they remain competitive against top-tier opponents.
The presence of Scottie Thompson and CJ Perez are exceptions to the rule, as the duo are just too talented to offset their lack of height. This has ensured that the American tactician will not rule out picking a player of smaller height in the near future. Thompson and Perez have demonstrated that skill and tenacity can sometimes outweigh physical attributes, providing valuable contributions to the team despite their stature.
“I’m not ruling it out. We could easily have that - like that Brazil guard who came off the bench. He is like a spark for them. And that’s something we could do. We could bring in a guy and give him his moments off the bench to lift the team. I can envision that, but I just don’t see it at the moment,” he added.
This openness to different player profiles reflects Tim Cone’s adaptability and willingness to consider various tactical options. While he prefers a certain type of player, he recognizes the value that different styles and skill sets can bring to the team. This balanced approach has helped Gilas Pilipinas remain dynamic and unpredictable.
This change in personnel will not happen anytime soon, considering that Cone has no plans of expanding the Philippines men’s national team player pool going forward, as he is happy with the core of players at his disposal. Cone's confidence in his current roster speaks to the depth and quality of talent available, as well as his belief in the team's potential to achieve great things on the international stage.
Cone stuck with his 11-member squad that participated in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) due to the fact that several key players like Scottie Thompson, AJ Edu, and Jamie Malonzo withdrew from the tournament due to injuries. Despite these setbacks, the team performed admirably, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Cone’s tactics and philosophy have paid dividends considering that Gilas Pilipinas exceeded all expectations in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. It was also under Cone’s tutelage that the 36-year-old led Gilas to the gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games, thus breaking their 61-year drought. It was the Philippines’ first gold medal in the men’s basketball competition since FIBA Hall of Famer Carlos Loyzaga and his team did so in Jakarta, Indonesia, back in 1962. This remarkable achievement highlights Cone's effectiveness as a coach and his ability to bring out the best in his players.
Tim Cone’s success with Gilas Pilipinas can be attributed to his meticulous planning, strategic acumen, and ability to inspire his players. His emphasis on size and defense has provided the team with a solid foundation, while his willingness to consider different player profiles ensures that they remain adaptable and competitive. As Gilas continues to build on their recent successes, Cone’s influence will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their future endeavors.
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