Message received from one of the best coaches in the game.
Gilas Pilipinas’ road to the gold medal in the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China exhibited fantastic team play, individual brilliance, and masterful coaching. Put simply, the Philippines had the necessary ingredients that make up a championship team.
Filipinos across the land were undeniably elated by what coach Tim Cone and his wards brought to the table.
According to veteran sportswriter Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press, one guy of note in the NBA also felt a certain way after learning about Gilas’ historic accomplishment.
He's lent his hand to the national team during his past visits to Manila, sharing the knowledge he's accumulated over the years. Oh, he's got Filipino heritage too.
Reynolds said on X (formerly Twitter) last Saturday that Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra reacted to the Philippines' golden campaign in the Asian Games.
“Spo learned during Heat practice this morning of the Philippines’ Asian Games gold medal. To say he’s pleased is a mild understatement,” Reynolds tweeted.
Spo learned during Heat practice this morning of the Philippines’ Asian Games gold medal. To say he’s pleased is a mild understatement.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) October 6, 2023
A few Filipino hoop fans had some fire comments over the Reynold’s post.
If some NBA team wants to revive the triangle offense call @manilacone
— Ice Ibale (@iceZlicious09)
October 7, 2023 "“Gold standard of Asia,” he tweeted.
🏀??🥇🇵🇭 GOLD STANDARD OF ASIA🇵🇭#AsianGames
— Elvin Mac (@gadenorer) October 7, 2023
One netizen pointed out that Coach Spo was most likely extra proud because it was his good friend Cone who was at the helm of the memorable win.
“And a former summer league heat assistant was coaching,” he wrote.
and a former summer league heat assistant was coaching. 😂
— gilasmuse (@pilipinasmuse) October 6, 2023
In 2022, Spoelstra invited the winningest coach in the PBA to be part of the Heat coaching staff for the NBA Summer League. Of course, Cone obliged and, most likely, came out of the experience as a better tactician.
Yep, Spo and the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel headmaster are good friends. No surprise there, as they got a lot in common. Like having a knack for winning basketball games.
(PM)