Tim Cone makes Gilas return ahead of FIBA WCQ

Tim Cone returns to Gilas after three years. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--A huge help is coming within Coach Chot Reyes' midst for Gilas Pilipinas.

The multi-titled tactician announced on Tuesday night that Tim Cone is joining the Gilas coaching staff as the national team is now gearing up for its co-hosting of the FIBA World Cup next year with Indonesia and Japan.

Reyes made the announcement upon receiving the Coach of the Year award during the PBA Press Corps Awards at the Novotel Grand Ballroom in Quezon City.

The concurrent TNT coach became the first mentor to win six Coach of the Year awards after leading the Tropang Giga to the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup title.

Interestingly enough, Reyes beat Cone, who steered Ginebra to the Governors' Cup championship last summer, for the citation.

This is not the first time Reyes and Cone are on the same side.

Reyes was actually Cone's deputy during the latter's early days as Alaska coach even as they also teamed up for the RP Centennial Team during the 1998 Asian Games.

Cone last coached Gilas in 2019, leading the team to the Southeast Asian Games gold in Pasay.

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