Tim Cone confident in Barangay Ginebra’s Philippine Cup chances despite key player departures and injuries

With 15 PBA titles under their belt and a reputation as the most beloved team in the league, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel is once again stepping into the spotlight — this time with a mission to return to championship glory in the historic 50th season of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

The Gin Kings, who last hoisted a trophy in the 2022–23 season, are eager to end their brief title drought as they gear up for the season-opening Philippine Cup. Despite their pedigree and championship culture, Ginebra enters the new season with a retooled roster and a set of challenges that could test their resilience early.

Speaking during PBA Media Day, head coach Tim Cone—the league’s most decorated tactician—remained optimistic about Ginebra’s chances, even in the face of significant roster losses.

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“We don’t have Jamie here anymore, so we are feeling that void. And obviously we don’t have LA, so there is a leadership void,” Cone admitted.

Two of the team’s cornerstones — Jamie Malonzo, a rising star and key wing defender, and LA Tenorio, the longtime floor general and spiritual leader — have both exited the lineup. Malonzo’s departure is a big loss in terms of two-way versatility, while Tenorio’s absence leaves a gap not only in leadership but in championship experience and playmaking.

Adding to Ginebra’s early hurdles, Japeth Aguilar, another key veteran, will also miss at least the first few games of the Philippine Cup. The high-flying forward underwent surgery on his left finger after delaying the procedure to serve national duty with Gilas Pilipinas during the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.

“He is doing well but is not into basketball activities yet. He can’t handle the ball, so he will probably miss our first game, maybe our second. We’ll take it game by game,” said Cone, who commended Aguilar’s dedication to country before club.

Aguilar, known for his shot-blocking and athleticism, has been an integral part of Ginebra’s recent championship runs. His temporary absence will force the coaching staff to dig deeper into their rotation and rely on younger or less tested players to hold the fort.

PBA Opening Game : Magnolia Hotshots vs Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

Ayos sa Snow Boards PH, Tim Cone vs LA Tenorio agad ang magtatapat sa PBA Philippine Cup opener sa Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Pambulaga agad to!#ginkings #NSD #BrgyGinebra #MagnoliaHotshots #ManilaClasico pic.twitter.com/yteovUYoR3

— SportsManda (@manda_sports) September 24, 2025

In the face of these changes, Cone is placing his trust in second-year guard Stephen Holt to emerge as a new team leader — both on and off the court.

“Stephen Holt is doing a good job of stepping into that leadership role at this point. But these are things you have to overcome,” Cone said.

Holt, who showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie season, will now be expected to take on a much bigger role in stabilizing the team’s offense and leading by example, especially during the early stretch of the Philippine Cup.

While last season didn’t end with a title, Cone believes the experience only served to sharpen the team’s competitive edge. Ginebra came agonizingly close to another championship but fell short in the critical moments — something Cone hopes has built a sense of urgency and hunger among his players.

“We were right there. We’re not too upset with where we are as a team at this point. We know we can contend, we know we can compete,” Cone said.

“You learn resilience, you learn to keep battling. I think those things that happened to us last season will make our team stronger this season.”

It’s a familiar position for Barangay Ginebra — doubted by some, yet always dangerous. With the best fanbase in the league behind them, Ginebra has often turned adversity into fuel for memorable playoff runs.

The PBA’s milestone 50th season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and compelling in recent history. All 12 teams have reshaped their rosters, aiming to dethrone recent champions and stake their claim in the league’s golden anniversary.

The season officially tips off in October 2025 with the Philippine Cup, followed by the Governors’ Cup, and concluding with the Commissioner’s Cup, extending the season into December 2026.

For Ginebra, the mission is clear: restore their championship status and write another chapter in their storied legacy. Whether they can do so amid roster shakeups and health concerns remains to be seen — but if there’s one thing history has taught us, it’s to never count Ginebra out.

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