Tim Cone not expanding Gilas Pilipinas training pool despite bevy of Thailand SEAG standouts

AS MUCH as he wanted to after being impressed by a bevy of standouts in the 33™ Southeast Asian Games (SEAG), Gilas Pilipinas “A” team head coach Tim Cone is not keen on expanding his training pool anytime soon.

- John Bryan Ulanday

Mr. Cone served as one of the biggest fans of the alternative Gilas unit squad under the tutelage of his pal Norman Black that defied all odds in delivering the country’s second straight and 20™ overall gold medal in the biennial tourney.

And a lot of players, new and old who have become part of the previous Gilas teams, left an impression on Mr. Cone leading to calls by fans for consideration of their inclusion to the main squad.

Among those were Robert Bolick, Ray Parks, Jr., Thirdy Ravena and Matthew Wright but for Mr. Cone, there’s a reason why he keeps his core small and intact given the tight schedule of the PBA and overseas leagues for FIBA tournaments.

“We've had all those guys on our radar but there are only 12 guys,” said Mr. Cone on the heels of Gilas’ 70-64 win over host Thailand in the controversial but satisfying finale, crediting the return to fine form of Jamie Malonzo, who’s also in his “A” team.

“We don’t want to increase it to a huge pool because it’s too unwieldy for the time of preparation that we have.”