Cone: Gilas stature was never in doubt

Gilas Pilipinas remained as the yardstick after the smoke of battle cleared in the 33rd SEA Games men's basketball in Bangkok.

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But for Gilas “A” team coach Tim Cone, the stature was never in doubt - not even challenged by anyone what more if it were allowed to send its best squad.

"Maybe I shouldn't say this because I don’t want to take anything away. But if we had brought the A team to the Southeast Asian Games, it wouldn't have been close, obviously," said Cone, giving credit to Norman Black for fighting against all odds to make it happen.

"They did a great job of fighting. I think everybody forgets how great a coach Norman is. The guy’s a championship coach. I had no doubts. I know other people did, but I had no doubts. I’ve been against him so many times," said Cone.

"I'm really happy for him that he has that chance to remind everybody of how good a coach he is. And not only is he a great coach, he’s a great person. And he really loves his adopted country. And he'll do anything for it. So, kudos for him. I'm really proud that he’s a friend of mine and that he was able to do that.