Johnny Abarrientos reunites with Tim Cone in Ginebra 

Following the departure of long-time Ginebra floor general LA Tenorio, the Gin Kings’ coaching staff received a boost this week with the arrival of Johnny Abarrientos, reuniting him with his former Alaska mentor, Tim Cone. 

The 56-year-old Abarrientos is set to take over the responsibilities left behind by Tenorio, who was recently appointed as the new head coach of Magnolia for the upcoming PBA season.

 After Tenorio’s move, management quickly reassigned Abarrientos from Magnolia to Ginebra, where he will now work alongside assistant coaches Richard Del Rosario, Olsen Racela, and Patrick Partosa.

In a twist of fate, the transfer reunites Abarrientos with Cone — his coach during Alaska’s dominant run in the 1990s. From 1994 to 1998, Abarrientos steered the Aces to eight PBA championships, including the historic 1996 grand slam season, where he was named Most Valuable Player and Best Player of the Conference in the Commissioner’s Cup. He also served under Cone during the Purefoods era, further deepening their long professional connection.

The “Flying A” now also has the rare opportunity to work with his nephew, top rookie RJ

 Abarrientos, at the professional level. While it was with Alaska that Johnny cemented his legacy as one of the league’s greatest point guards, his playing career came to a close with Ginebra during the 2009–10 season. 

Reunion and Legacy: Johnny Abarrientos Joins Tim Cone, Nephew RJ at Ginebra

Johnny Abarrientos reunites with longtime mentor Tim Cone as he officially joins the Gin Kings’ coaching staff. The former MVP and Cone’s trusted floor general during the Alaska dynasty now brings his… pic.twitter.com/AdVaY1JAKE

— Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (@brgyginebraphl) August 13, 2025

At the time, the Far Eastern University standout was semi-retired but was called back into action to help anchor the Gin Kings’ backcourt after injuries sidelined Celino Cruz, Jayjay Helterbrand, and Mark Caguioa. His 12th and final championship as a player also came with Ginebra during the 2007 Philippine Cup under Jong Uichico.

Before his latest move, Abarrientos was the longest-serving deputy coach for the Purefoods franchise, staying on through multiple coaching regimes. 

He remained part of the staff even after Cone shifted to Ginebra, later working under Jayson Webb and Chito Victolero. Under Victolero, he captured his most recent coaching title during the 2018 Governors’ Cup.

Now back with Ginebra, Abarrientos brings with him a wealth of championship experience, deep ties to the organization, and a family connection on the court — making his return both a professional reunion and a personal milestone.

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