“I’ve been in conversation with SBP president Al Panlilio regarding SEA Games head coaching position for basketball,” said Cone. #NewGilasCoach #TimCone

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is taking the first few steps that would lead to the hiring of Tim Cone as head coach of Gilas Pilipinas in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

In a text message to Daily Tribune, Cone revealed that the SBP president already reached out to explore the possibility of hiring him to call the shots for Gilas in the biennial meet that the country will host from 30 November to 11 December.

Cone, the winningest mentor in the Philippine Basketball Association, is on top of the list of coaches being considered for the national team following the resignation of Yeng Guiao in the wake of Gilas’ disastrous finish in the FIBA Basketball World Cup in China.

No less than SBP chairman emeritus Manny Pangilinan mentioned the name of the coach of Barangay Ginebra, which is under the umbrella of San Miguel Corporation (SMC).

“I’ve been in conversation with SBP president Al Panlilio regarding SEA Games head coaching position for basketball,” said Cone.

Cone, however, stressed that his focus remains with Ginebra.

“At this time, my total focus is on our Ginebra game versus Alaska,” he said.

“But on Monday, after talking to my family, Mr. Panlilio and I will continue our conversation regarding the appointment, at which time we will come to a resolution,” he said.