Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Barangay Ginebra last won a title in 2008. Since then its fans have been longing for a championship.
Will Tim Cone finally be able to give it to them?
In a press conference on Thursday (July 23), the Gin Kings’ new head coach managed expectations, saying it will take a while before fans see results.
Ginebra is arguably the most popular franchise in the league and coaching such a team poses a unique kind of challenge, which Cone is aware of.
“Coaching Ginebra brings different pressures than other teams because of the social media and the close contact with the fans, and the microscope you’re always under,” said Cone.
“I think one of the reasons why Sonny Jaworski was so successful in doing that was because he took all the pressure himself. Because he was such a polarizing figure, he could kind of absorb all the pressures and his players could just go out there and play.”
Jaworski is a legendary figure of the franchise and probably the most well-respected coach to have ever graced Ginebra’s sidelines. And Cone, a well-reputed coach himself who has two Grand Slams to his name, is thrilled to be following the legacy of Jaworksi.
“One of the great things when I came into Purefoods was following the legend of Baby Dalupan, saying that I coached Baby Dalupan’s team. Now I’m going to Ginebra… now I’m able to follow the legend of Sonny Jaworski,” said Cone.
“It’s such a motivating tool that I’m following Sonny. I don’t know what he’s feeling right now but I hope he’s okay with me coaching and following his legacy.”
Related: Cone unveiled as Ginebra coach; Webb takes over Star
‘A new situation’
Before Cone can build a legacy with Ginebra like Jaworski’s, he’ll have to bring out the best in the players he has. Ginebra’s roster is loaded, but the challenge for Cone is how he’ll make those pieces work together.
“I find Ginebra to have a really strong lineup and I find it to be unbalanced at this point,” said Cone. “That’s something we’re going to work with.”
The multi-titled coach will undoubtedly bring the “triangle” to Ginebra, a system which he thinks will benefit Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar.
“I think Greg and Japeth will enjoy over time playing in this kind of system. And we’ll take advantage over their abilities,” said Cone.
Aside from the two big men, Cone is also thrilled to work with his wingmen.
“I’m excited to go and find out about Mark Caguioa. I don’t know him, I don’t know Mac Baracael, I don’t know Chris Ellis, I don’t know these guys,” added Cone.
“(But) one of the things that excite me is coming into a new situation.”
