MANILA, Philippines — Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone took time to commend everyone in the team for the Gin Kings’ 93-81 win against defending PBA Commissioner’s Cup champion San Miguel Beer, marking a triumphant New Year’s day on Sunday.
Cone described the Beermen as the “yardstick” of the league, given their rich championship experience, deep roster and solid system under come backing coach Leo Austria.
“San Miguel, they are the team everybody measures them. If you can compete with San Miguel, you can compete with anybody because they are the yardstick of the league,” said Cone during the post-game interview on Sunday night.
Sure, Ginebra was coming off a heart-stopping 95-92 Christmas Day win against long-time rival Magnolia, in a game that saw Scottie Thompson bury the game-winning three-point shot at the buzzer.
But the American mentor admitted that the win against the Hotshots is something they will have to build on, knowing the Beermen are a tough nut to crack.
“It’s important for us to try to follow up that game against Magnolia with the game against San Miguel tonight. The guys spent time during (Holiday) break, working hard, learning the defense, and going out there and executing it,” said the 67-year-old Ginebra mentor.
But he also reserved his praises on newly-acquired forward Troy Rosario, who had his best scoring output in a Ginebra uniform after finishing with 22 points, on top of 10 rebounds.
“We just (played) a lot of heart led by this guy,” Cone said, pointing at the 6-foot-7 Rosario. “He’s all over the floor. Always all over the floor, and he’s been that X factor for us. Tonight he was also huge on the offensive side, knocking down shots, making offensive rebounds.”
Ginebra, which improved to 5-2 overall, will have a short turnaround as it returns to action on Wednesday against tournament-leader NorthPort.
