Tim Cone backs Norman Black as Gilas Pilipinas navigates SEA Games chaos

Gilas Pilipinas’ preparations for the ongoing 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Bangkok, Thailand hit a major snag after a controversy surrounding the eligibility of several players under rules set by the Thailand SEA Games Organizing Committee.

The team, now composed of Thirdy Ravena, Cedrick Manzano, Dalph Panopio, Robert Bolick, Matthew Wright, Ray Parks, Von Pessumal, Abu Tratter, Jamie Malonzo, and Veejay Pre, has undergone multiple roster adjustments as a result of shifting eligibility requirements imposed by the organizers.

Initially, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) named naturalized players Justin Brownlee and Angelo Kouame to the lineup. However, both were later withdrawn after officials ruled that naturalized athletes — as well as players who did not obtain a passport before turning 16 — are ineligible to compete.

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The sudden changes have disrupted Gilas’ buildup and placed additional pressure on interim head coach Norman Black. Regular Gilas head coach Tim Cone sympathized with Black, recalling his own challenges during the Philippines’ run-up to the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

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TINGNAN: Magtutungo na sa Thailand ang koponan ng Gilas Pilipinas para sumabak sa 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

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“It’s just like us in the Asian Games. We couldn’t get the players that we wanted. So it was really magulo going to the last two or three days before we left,” Cone said in a media interaction.

Cone had then attempted to assemble a full-strength squad featuring Calvin Abueva, Terrence Romeo, Mo Tautuaa, and Jason Perkins, but circumstances forced late changes. He believes those setbacks ultimately fueled the group’s determination.

“I think that just motivated us and got us playing. We had no expectations when we went to the Asian Games. We thought we were the underdogs, so we have that underdog mentality. And we took that all the way to the gold medal,” he added.

The Philippines went on to capture a historic gold, ending a 61-year drought in the Asian Games. Cone expressed confidence that Black will maximize the group in Bangkok.

“I wish Norman well. And I hope he does really well out there. I feel a little guilty because I’m not coaching it because you know I’m the Gilas coach. But I’m also happy to hand it to Norman and give him this opportunity. I think the only one they are going to lack is size, so it’s really going to be interesting to see how Norman plays with the group.

“I think it’s going to be fun and exciting. It’s going to be a spread out, they are going to go up and down the floor,” Cone concluded.

Gilas Pilipinas begins its SEA Games title defense against Malaysia on December 14, followed by a matchup against Vietnam the next day.

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