Cone Praises Young Standouts as Gilas Dominates Hong Kong
Photo: FIBA
In Gilas Pilipinas’ resounding 93-54 victory over Hong Kong in the FIBA Asia Qualifiers, head coach Tim Cone didn’t just celebrate the win but also highlighted the progress of his young stars.
Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quiambao, and Mason Amos showed glimpses of their immense potential in a game that showcased not only their individual talents but also their commitment to team play.
Cone was particularly pleased with Tamayo’s impact early in the game.
“Carl, remember what I told you coming out in the first half?” Cone recalled in the post-game press conference with Tamayo next to him.
“He got out, he hit a 3-point shot, he went to the basket, he had a post-up, he had an offensive rebound, that all scores. That’s what we’re looking for our young guys. We want to use their total game.”
Tamayo’s versatility was a key asset for Gilas as he led the team in scoring with 16 markers, but Cone extended his praise to Quiambao and Amos as well, emphasizing their evolving roles.
“That’s the case with him, that’s the case with KQ and even Mason,” he said.
While Amos has been known for his sharpshooting, and his lone field goal was a corner three-ball, Cone is pushing the 19-year-old to grow into a more complete player.
“Mason is a specialist in terms of making three-point shots, but we’re trying to get him to expand his game,” Cone noted. “I won’t stop saying this. They are the superstars of this team down the road. They’re feeling their way.”
The decorated head coach acknowledged the challenges of integrating these young talents into a cohesive system but commended their willingness to be coached.
“I get on Carl hard, but he knows. We’re all committed into the team with different habits. It’s really trying to get us all on the same page, and creating the same habits so we can play together, and read each other.”
Cone also stressed the importance of unity over individual brilliance.
“This is not an all-star team. We’re not out there to showcase our individual skills. We got to come together as a team, and sometimes it takes some hard coaching. That’s what I love about this team. They really accept that idea, and it makes it so much easier from a coaching staff point to handle this team. I love this team.”
For Tamayo, Quiambao, and Amos, the journey is just beginning, but their performances against Hong Kong provide a glimpse of a promising future. Under Cone’s guidance, these young guns are not only contributing in the present but are also being shaped into the pillars of Philippine basketball in the years to come.
