“If you’re here to make money, it’s the wrong place”: Tim Cone emphasizes pride over pay for Gilas Pilipinas

Few coaches in Philippine basketball history can match the sustained excellence of Tim Cone, whose 25 championships have cemented his status as arguably the greatest bench tactician the Philippine Basketball Association has ever seen.

Over a decorated career spanning decades, Cone built dynasties, shaped generations of stars, and mastered the nuances of the pro game. But beyond his domestic success, the American mentor has also embraced the responsibility of steering the national team. Now back at the helm of Gilas Pilipinas following the conclusion of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Cone is once again tasked with guiding the Philippines through the rigors of international competition.

In a recent appearance on the Power and Play sports program, the 68-year-old coach offered insight into the culture he is determined to instill — one rooted not in financial incentives, but in national pride.

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Cone revealed that from the very first team meeting, he made the program’s philosophy unmistakably clear.

“We had a program from Day 1; we had it very clear to everyone, in our first Zoom meeting when we brought the original 12 guys, there is not gonna be anybody who’s gonna be making more money than somebody else, but whatever was going to be given, it was really, ‘take it or leave it,’” Cone said.

The message, he explained, was deliberate and uncompromising: representing the country comes before personal gain.

“Whether you join or not, it was just a philosophy that if you’re here with this group, with Gilas, if you’re there because you want to make money or a big salary whatever, it’s a wrong place for you to be,” he added.

MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone said if there’s one thing he reiterated to the players during their initial meeting over a year ago, it’s wearing the Philippine team jersey with pride, while setting aside the desire to monetize playing for the national squad.… pic.twitter.com/Uug06DuQLQ

— The Manila Times (@TheManilaTimes) February 23, 2026

Cone emphasized that the privilege of wearing the Philippine jersey should be motivation enough — a belief he considers fundamental to building a cohesive and selfless national squad.

“If you want to take pride, walk around the city and be able to see your family and say, ‘I will be one of the 12 guys that can say you’re on the national team,’ this is the place you wanna be in. But if you are there to make fabulous salaries, that ain’t gonna happen. We are gonna treat everybody equal. That’s what we are stuck to,” Cone continued.

For Cone, equality and shared purpose form the backbone of sustained success. His approach mirrors the discipline and clarity that defined his championship runs in the PBA — clear roles, collective sacrifice, and an unwavering standard of accountability.

Now, the challenge shifts to the international stage.

Cone’s long-term objective is clear: secure qualification for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup and ultimately earn a berth in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles — a stage the Philippines has not graced in men’s basketball in decades. Achieving that goal will require consistency, depth, and resilience as Gilas navigates the grueling qualification windows.

The immediate test comes in the second window of the FIBA qualifiers, where the Philippines will face formidable opposition. Gilas opens against New Zealand men’s national basketball team on Thursday, February 28, before squaring off with the Australia men’s national basketball team on Sunday, March 1 — two marquee matchups that could significantly influence the trajectory of their campaign.

Both New Zealand and Australia bring physicality, international experience, and disciplined systems — precisely the kind of opposition that will test Cone’s structure and the players’ commitment to his philosophy. Maintaining their unbeaten record will demand poise in hostile environments, crisp execution on both ends of the floor, and leadership in pressure moments.

For Cone, however, the blueprint remains simple: build a team that plays for the flag first.

If Gilas can translate that collective pride into disciplined performances on the hardwood, the road to 2027 — and perhaps Los Angeles in 2028 — becomes clearer.

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