Former Gilas Men star Pingris OK with possible plan to tap Cone as coach for SEAG squad

Marc Pingris looks forward to seeing Gilas Men under Coach Tim Cone. PBA Media Group

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--Marc Pingris is not that new to being coached by Tim Cone.

Cone was Pingris' mentor when Magnolia, then known as San Mig Coffee, completed the 2014 PBA grand slam.

Aside from the grand slam, the other thing in common about the two is their experience with the Philippine national men's basketball team.

Pingris was part of the Gilas Pilipinas Men team that won silver in the 2013 FIBA Asia Cup and played in the 2014 FIBA World Cup.

Cone, on the other hand, coached the star-studded "Centennial Team" in the 1998 Asian Games.

So upon hearing the news that Cone is the frontrunner to replace Yeng Guiao as Gilas Men coach for the upcoming Southeast Asian Games, Pingris is somehow fine with it.

"OK naman sa akin si Coach Tim," he said on Saturday night.

There are a lot of reasons for the SBP to call up Cone for national team duties.

Aside from the 2014 treble and also the 1996 grand slam with Alaska and the 1998 Asiad stint, Cone is the winningest coach in the PBA in terms of championships won, and for Pingris, those accolades are enough for the SBP to consider Cone.

"Marami na siyang napatunayan sa PBA," Pingris continued.

He then added, "One hundred percent suportado ako kay Coach Tim."

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