Cone says int'l experience must for nat'l coach

Alaska coach Tim Cone thinks everyone learns from experience and failure that he believes anyone who has coached the national team before is a good choice to handle the RP team competing in the FIBA-Asia championship next year.

Cone, however, is not batting for himself but for Chot Reyes, coach of the RP team that placed ninth in the Asian joust in Tokushima, Japan last year.

Cone shared his thoughts with The STAR after PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios hinted in an interview with the media his inclination to choose a coach who has been exposed in international play before.

“I think everyone learns from experience and failure so any of the three men (himself, Jong Uichico and Reyes) would be a good choice. I’ve been vocal in my support to give the incumbent (Reyes) the nod. I stand by that,” said Cone who steered the RP team to third place in the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok.

The STAR couldn’t reach Reyes but he has said he’s willing to take another crack at it.

Uichico, who narrowly missed the finals in the Busan Asian Games, said he’s never thought about getting another chance to call the shots for the nationals.

“I think about it and make the decision when the time comes,” said Uichico.

It would be remembered that Uichico was also hesitant to take the job when it was offered to him after coach Ron Jacobs got sick in 2002. He relented only on the prodding of the San Miguel management.

Up to now, Uichico has been saying the international play is far different from the PBA. “It needs different approach,” said Uichico.

From the rest of PBA coaches, only Yeng Guiao and Binky Favis have had a stint in international competition with the former assisting Derrick Pumaren in the SEA Games in 1989 and the latter being the chief scout of the RP teams in the 2002 Asian Games and 2007 FIBA-Asia championship.

Guiao is the overwhelming choice of the PBA board but Barrios has the sole authority in naming the coach.

Barrios is now studying the matter with his hands freed from shackle after the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas under the leadership of Manny Pangilinan secured a relief in its legal tussle with the group of former Rep. Prospero Pichay.

Barrios said he’ll announce his choice in the next few days.

The PBA commissioner himself has been saying the international play is far different from the PBA brand of game as he’s seen it in his involvement with the national teams in four Asian Games (Beijing, Hiroshima, Bangkok and Busan).