All news tagged TimCone

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone is hoping to have naturalized player Justin Brownlee back in action in time for the start of the team’s training camp next week as preparations ramp up for the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

The national team will begin camp on November 17 at the Inspire Sports Academy, aiming to build chemistry and conditioning ahead of the first window of the qualifiers, which begins on November 28.

Cone expressed optimism that the team will be complete by then, including Brownlee, who has been “missing in action” recently amid reports of pneumonia, causing him to miss Meralco’s recent East Asia Super League games.

Neither Brownlee nor the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has issued an official statement regarding his condition.

Despite this, Cone remains focused on ensuring Gilas is fully prepared before facing Guam on November 28 at the Calvo Field House in Guam, followed by a rematch on December 1 at the Blue Eagle Gym in Ateneo.

Meanwhile, Kai Sotto will remain sidelined as he continues rehabilitation from an ACL injury earlier this year. His spot in the lineup will be filled by Quentin Milora-Brown, who has been cleared by FIBA to play as a local.

“We just want to get going and make sure everyone’s ready,” Cone said, emphasizing the importance of starting camp strong to maintain Gilas’ momentum heading into the qualifiers.

Gilas Pilipinas’ naturalized star Justin Brownlee will be sidelined from the team’s upcoming basketball games as he recovers from pneumonia, team officials confirmed.

Brownlee, a key contributor in recent international campaigns, is currently undergoing medical treatment and observation. According to the Gilas medical team, his health remains the top priority, and he will return to action only once fully cleared by doctors.

Meralco Bolts head coach Luigi Trillo noted, “We’re waiting for Justin, he is our naturalized (player) so he’s an option to play. He would be a big help if he was here.”

The development comes as Gilas prepares for the next phase of training and competitions, with head coach Tim Cone emphasizing that Brownlee’s recovery takes precedence over the schedule.

“Justin’s health is our main concern. We want him to get back to 100% before stepping on the court again,” said Cone.

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone is set to begin team practice on November 18 as preparation for the first window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

The national team will undergo a 10-day training camp before kicking off their qualifying campaign on November 28 against Guam in Mangilao, Guam. The second leg will take place on December 1 at the Blue Eagle Gym inside Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City.

This marks the first reunion of the Gilas squad since the FIBA Asia Cup held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Gilas is expected to hold practices either at the Blue Eagle Gym—to familiarize with the game venue—or at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna, a regular training hub for the team in previous camps.

The lineup is expected to be complete by the start of training, as overseas-based players are allowed to return home to represent the Philippines in FIBA-sanctioned tournaments

Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone had mixed emotions following the Gin Kings’ 80-73 defeat to Magnolia in the opening game of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“I’m happy for LA, sad for myself,” Cone admitted after his team fell to his former floor general and now Magnolia head coach LA Tenorio, who earned his first coaching victory in his debut.

The much-anticipated matchup between mentor and student saw Tenorio’s Hotshots control the game from start to finish, using a strong start and steady composure to secure the win.

Cone, however, downplayed the “duel” narrative between him and Tenorio. “You guys are making a big deal out of it,” Cone said.  “We’re friends. It’s the same thing when I coached against Chot Reyes, Jeff Cariaso, Johnedel Cardel, or Luigi Trillo—they’re all my ex-players and coaches. It’s just part of the game.”

Despite the loss, Cone expressed pride in Tenorio’s successful coaching debut, showing that the lessons once learned under his mentorship can now be used to craft victories of their own.

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial announced that the league and its 12 member ballclubs will extend assistance to victims of the recent calamities in Cebu and Masbate.

The decision was reached during the PBA Board of Governors meeting, with Marcial confirming that aid will be given not just to Cebu, which suffered a magnitude 6.9 earthquake last September 30, but also to Masbate, placed under a state of calamity after Severe Tropical Storm Opong caused widespread damage.

Marcial said the relief drive will mirror previous efforts, with contributions coming from both the PBA office and all 12 teams. “Hindi na nalalayo dun galing sa PBA mismo, galing sa iba’t ibang teams, sa 12 teams ‘yung itutulong natin sa kababayan natin na nasalanta,” he explained.

The PBA has a long history of mobilizing aid in times of crisis. In October 2024, the league raised nearly ₱2 million in relief funds for victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

Jamie Malonzo made a triumphant return as Barangay Ginebra eked out an 86-63 win over the Blackwater Bossing in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday night, January 12, at the Ynares Center Antipolo.

The Gin Kings missed the services of the 6-foot-7 athletic wingman due to a calf injury that had sidelined him for nine months. 

Malonzo registered eight points on top of three rebounds and a steal that saw the return of the crowd darling back to the win column, sitting at 6-3 in the team standings, tied with Converge and guest team, Hong Kong Eastern. 

Ginebra head coach Tim Cone admitted that they are still gradually reintroducing Malonzo into their lineup, with limited to just 10 minutes of action off the bench.

Kai Sotto has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) following an awkward landing during the Koshigaya Alphas’ game against Seahorses Mikawa on Sunday, January 5.

Sotto has been relegated to the B.League Injury List, confirming that he will miss the B.League Asia Rising Star Game on January 18.

On a social media post, the 7-foot-3 center shared that he considers it the most trying time in his career, but he remains steadfast in his resolve and faith despite the setback.