Coach Tim Cone formally takes over the reigns of the Gilas Pilipinas program.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) confirmed on Monday, January 29, the signing of Cone as the head coach of the Philippine National Men's Basketball team.
The winningest coach of the PBA served as interim head coach of Gilas Pilipinas in th in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China following the sudden decision of Coach Chot Reyes to step down after the dismal campaign of the Philippines in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Under the tultelage of Cone, the Philippines regained the men's basketball tournament crown in the Asian Games after more than six decades.
"Coach Tim accomplished what has not been done in decades with only a few weeks to prepare and multiple challenges in terms of personnel," SBP president Al Panililo said.
"(W)e’re excited to see what he can accomplish with a long-term program in place especially if such program is supported by all basketball stakeholders," he added.
Cone also called the shots for the national team in the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, where the Philippines won a bronze medal, and the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in which the country snagged the gold.
“I’m looking forward to taking on the role of national team head coach again,” said Cone, who has 25 PBA titles, including two Grand Slams, under his belt.
Cone will prepare the national team for the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers in February, and the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Latvia in July.
