The buzz is Tim going to B-Meg

MANILA, Philippines - Former Alaska Milk coach Tim Cone would eventually be appointed head coach of B-Meg, according to pro league sources.

The fact is that even before he officially announced his resignation from Alaska, talks were making the rounds in the PBA circle that Cone was headed for a coaching job at one of San Miguel Beer teams.

Richard del Rosario being named acting B-Meg coach in lieu of Jorge Gallent only fanned talks of Cone’s impending transfer to the Llamados’ camp.

Del Rosario played under Cone at Alaska before shifting to sports broadcasting.

According to reports, Del Rosario will move back to being an assistant coach once Cone comes in.

Cone hinted that he would be open to work for another team during the press conference where he announced his resignation at Alaska.

“I’m going to see whatever opportunity is out there at this point,” Cone said. “I’m kind of open, I’m hoping that there’ll be something out there.”

Meanwhile, new Alaska head coach Joel Banal expressed great excitement on the new development on his coaching career.

“I’m excited and inspired. It’s the same thing I felt when I got into coaching (Mapua in the late 80s),” Banal told The STAR.

Banal is happy with the team that he inherited from Cone, believing it can compete with any team in the league.

He said he won’t tinker with Alaska’s triangle offense, saying it’s the same formula that helped him win championships in the UAAP and in the PBL with Ateneo.

“I’ve been using that since 1991 when I coached RC Cola in the PBL. I dissected Chicago Bulls tapes and concentrated doing their triangle offense. I wasn’t aware it’s the same game embraced by Tim,” said Banal.

He’s comfortable with his lineup, having Sonny Thoss as lead frontline player and LA Tenorio as main man at the backcourt.

“You’ll always be comfortable having a Thoss at the frontline and an LA Tenorio at point guard. Add to them a prolific scorer in Cyrus Baguio and Tony dela Cruz with his leadership, experience and great work ethic, and we really have a competitive team,” said Banal.

A former Mapua King Cardinal who became a national player and a pro, Banal is a winner with championships in all levels – NCAA, UAAP, PBL and the pros.