That earned the Llamados a twice-to-beat advantage, making Cone’s star-studded team the clear favorites against the Powerade Tigers.
Also, B-Meg was on a roll prior to the quarters, winning a conference-high eight straight games with Cone’s ‘‘triangle offense’’ working in full throttle for a team loaded with talent like two-time MVP James Yap, Kerby Raymundo, PJ Simon and Marc Pingris.
However, the Llamados were devoured in the playoffs by the Tigers, who came through with a pair of stunning wins to advance to the best-of-seven Final Four series, where they will face the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
B-Meg lost to Powerade in the first game (97-88), and then blew a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter before dropping a heartbreaking 131-123 overtime defeat in the do-or-die encounter a week ago.
Cone, 52, who joined B-Meg before the start of the 37th PBA Season after leaving Alaska where he coached for 22 years with 13 PBA titles, shares his thoughts with the Manila Bulletin in a Q and A on several issues after his first conference with the Llamados.
Manila Bulletin: What do you think went wrong?
Tim Cone: I just feel we didn't have enough adversity in the conference to know how to handle the adversity we would meet in the playoffs. We responded well from the opening game loss to Powerade by dominating the second game most of the way, but when push came to shove, down the stretch, we really didn't handle ourselves the way we would have wanted. But by and large, we didn't lose it. Powerade won it with great play and great shooting. You shoot 22 for 42 from the three-point line, you're going to win most games, never mind how well the other team plays. That's truly great shooting.
MB: On hindsight, what adjustments would you have made to beat Powerade?
TC: There's always "coulda, woulda, shoulda" after losing a game or a series. Hindsight is easy, and needless to say, I've replayed those two games in my mind thousands of times already. But if I had to say two adjustments that should have been made: 1) I played the starters too long. I could have gone longer with Joe/Rafi/Mark and kept the starters fresh for the stretch run. 2) Put Ping on David down the stretch and brought Joe in to defend on one of their forwards. We would have been bigger, rebounded better, controlled the middle, and still have a ball-handler in Joe to help out in the backcourt. Versatility is our strength and I didn't take advantage of it.
MB: How do you assess your first coaching stint outside of Alaska?
TC: I really enjoyed the conference. It was very re-invigorating and I really liked being around the players. They were incredibly responsive.
MB: Is there any missing piece (s) for B-Meg?
TC: I think we're a complete team. I expect to come back intact.
MB: Alaska did not make it past the first stage, what are your personal thoughts about this?
TC: They'll be back strong. There's a lot of character in that organization.
MB: If you were still with Alaska, what steps do you think are needed to make the team more competitive?
TC: That's really not up to me. They really don't need my advice, nor would they want it.
MB: Who do you think will win the PBA Cup?
TC: Hard to say. I think Rain or Shine has a good shot at it, but their odds are only very, very slightly greater than the other four.
MB: What are your plans for the holidays?
TC: I expected to be getting ready for the semis, so I didn't make any. Totally unprepared.
MB: What's your Christmas wish?
TC: That the conditions in Mindanao (Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City) improve so those down there can survive the holidays. Such a sad, sad event. It makes the pain of our losing very trivial.
MB: What preparation B-Meg is doing now for the next conference?
TC: We're returning to practice on the 5th of January and then starting our two-a-days. I can't wait to get back into it.
MB: Who will be B-Meg’s import in the Commissioner’s Cup?
TC: We are negotiating with one that we hope to have over here around the 10th of January. I personally scouted him last year and like him a lot. Young guy. I will withhold his name until we get something confirmed with him.
source by Waylon Galvez, mb.com.ph
0 comments:
Post a Comment