Cone not resting on laurels

MANILA, Philippines - With 13 titles under his belt, Alaska coach Tim Cone heads into the next PBA season like a rookie looking for his first championship. The pro league’s longest-tenured coach is just as enthusiastic in doing a good job as when he took over the Alaska helm from Bogs Adornado in 1989.

Cone, 52, said he’s not bothered by age. In fact, he enjoys the challenge of trying to outwit the league’s so-called Young Turks.

“Sometimes, I feel I’m old,” said Cone. “But what was really special was when we won the Fiesta Conference title this past season, coming over 20 years after I started coaching Alaska. It made winning the championship particularly sweet. For a while, I wondered if the game had passed me by.”

Cone said in Game 6 when Alaska clinched the crown, he got a surprise comment from Canadian conditioning guru and triathlete Lance Watson who watched at courtside. Watson was in town for the Cobra Ironman 70.3 in Camarines Sur.

“Lance told me he was amazed that despite over 20 years on the job, my intensity level was extremely high during the game,” said Cone. “It made me feel good. I may be older than the other coaches in the PBA but I think when it’s time to work, I don’t feel the age. I’m as motivated and excited as when I was a rookie coach. I’m still learning, finding out ways to get better, to improve our team, to win more championships.”

Cone said he’ll always be grateful to team owner Fred Uytengsu and his late father Wilfred Sr. for the opportunity to coach the Aces.

“Fred wanted the title for his dad who passed away this year,” said Cone. “We dedicated this season to Mr. Uytengsu who was a driven man, an old school type who valued loyalty and demanded excellence. I remember on my third year as coach, Mr. Uytengsu went to the ULTRA with a group of friends to watch our game against Shell. We were up by 30, 48-18, but ended up losing. The next morning, at about 5 a.m., he phoned to say how the loss was such an embarrassment and that I’d better not do it again. Fred is just as driven as his father and his commitment to excellence is what propels our team. His sense of family and the way he treats employees is why you see people working loyally for 20, 30 and 40 years for the Uytengsus.”

Cone said the key to Alaska’s success is chemistry. “Our team philosophy is built around trusting each other,” he explained. “We’ve got young and veteran players and we operate like a family.” If execution is Alaska’s trademark, it comes with a lot of teamwork, discipline and hard work. Trust is the underlying factor in working Alaska’s triangle offense to precision.

Cone said things fell into place for Alaska in the just-concluded Fiesta Conference as if the Aces were destined to win it all. Sonny Thoss, bothered by foot injuries, was reactivated to make an impact in Game 6 when Tony de la Cruz was sidelined with sore eyes. Diamon Simpson was unstoppable, probably more motivated after losing the Best Import award to Gabe Freeman. Cyrus Baguio and L. A. Tenorio were a wonder pair in the backcourt. Joe de Vance showed remarkable versatility playing multiple positions and the bench held its own against San Miguel’s vaunted shock troopers.

“Cyrus has changed the way we play,” said Cone. “But we’re thankful to Willie (Miller) for bringing us to this level. He took us to two finals. Willie texted to congratulate me right after we clinched. He didn’t have to do that. I appreciated it. With Cyrus, we’re a bigger threat in transition. He makes us quicker in the backcourt with L. A. He’s a three-point threat and an underrated defender. I thought in the playoffs, Cyrus did a great defensive job on Mark Caguioa, Willie, Mac Cardona and Dondon Hontiveros. In a way, he’s like what Johnny Abarrientos was to us. I can’t compare L. A. with anyone because he’s his own identity but if you really think about it, he’s somewhat like Jojo Lastimosa as a leader.”

Tenorio, Thoss, Baguio, Sam Eman, Mark Borboran and Mike Burtscher are the only Alaska veterans with live contracts. Those with expiring deals are De la Cruz, De Vance, Reynel Hugnatan, Kelvin de la Peña, Erwin Sotto, Brandon Cablay and Topex Robinson. Larry Fonacier was traded to Talk ‘N’ Text for last Sunday’s No. 4 draft pick who turned out to be Elmer Espiritu. Jeffrey Cariaso has retired, leaving a slot open for Bonbon Custodio who came in a trade with Meralco for Alaska’s 10th overall draft choice. The Aces also got Marvin Hayes of Jose Rizal on the second round in the draft. De la Cruz was signed to a three-year renewal last week.

“Tony is our team guy, very unselfish,” said Cone. “He came alive for us in the Talk ‘N’ Text playoffs. I’m most proud of Joe de Vance, how he matured last season. He’s a 6-7 guy who shoots threes, plays the big guys inside, posts up and slides to the two-spot in our triangle. Then, we’ve got our bench. Mark’s now in his third year. It’s been a slow and solid process for him. He just goes out there to battle for his minutes. He knows the hierarchy in our system but never complains. He’s playing with more confidence. He’s proved himself as a reliable veteran.”

Curiously, Alaska now has three UE stalwarts – Borboran, Espiritu and Custodio. The familiarity will go a long way in Cone’s push for chemistry.