Cone eyes wings, bigs in PBA Draft

MANILA, Philippines -- Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone is keeping his cards close to his chest as far as this Sunday’s PBA Rookie Draft is concerned.

But the multi-titled PBA coach bared that the Gin Kings are looking for ways to strengthen their forward and shooting guard spot as they prepare for the 41st PBA season.

“We’re a big man system. But we only have a couple of wings in Chris (Ellis) and Mac (Baracael) and one shooting guard in Mark (Caguioa) so we need to build on that part of the lineup,” Cone told sports scribes during the second day of the Gatorade PBA Rookie Draft Combine at the Hoops Center in Mandaluyong.

READ: Newsome works out with Ginebra but Ros, Meralco also in the mix

Ginebra owns the fifth overall pick in the draft, behind Talk ‘N Text, KIA, Rain or Shine and Meralco.

Cone was straightforward as well in saying that he’s looking for someone who can readily fit in the “triangle” system he’s set to run next Monday when Ginebra starts its practice for the preseason.

“So the wings and the bigs, that’s what we’re basically looking for in the draft or through trades to balance up the lineup,” he said.

“And also, we’re looking for what will fit into the system more because the triangle is an equal opportunity system,” added Cone.

The 57-year-old American coach didn’t hide the fact that big men like Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar and Rodney Brondial will play big roles for the team in his patented triangle offense.

Cone in fact, stressed that outside Caguioa or Tenorio, he wants everyone who plays on the floor to be an offensive threat as well, while hopeful they run the ‘triangle’ the right way.

“We want all the guys who’ll be on the floor to be a threat,” explained Cone.

“I’ve been vocal that we need to balance our line up for the system that I run, so as I said, it’s more wings than bigs,” he added.

“We got the bigs in Greg, Japeth and rodney. Then we have Dave (Marcelo) and Dorian (Pena). So that’s not a concern for us.”

Ginebra fans have high hopes that the entry of Cone will spell a major turnaround for the Gin Kings, who celebrated their last championship during their seven-game Finals series win over Air21 in the 2008 Fiesta Conference.