PBA scribes honor Cone for title feat

MANILA, Philippines — Another championship, another individual accolade for Tim Cone.

For steering Barangay Ginebra to the Philippine Cup title in the most challenging period in the league’s 45-year history, Cone is set to be feted with the Outstanding Coach of the Bubble honor in today’s PBA Press Corps virtual Awards Night at the TV5 Media Center.

The Kings defeated the TNT Tropang Giga in five games of the historic bubble finals at the Angeles University Foundation gym in Pampanga to claim their first all-Filipino crown in 13 years.

And Cone did it despite the uncertain times brought about by the current pandemic and the health status of his players.

After big man Greg Slaughter decided to skip the season, Cone was also faced with the spectre of key players LA Tenorio and Japeth Aguilar not in game shape entering the bubble due to personal or health reasons.

But the brilliant coach that he is, Cone found a way to keep the Kings competitive until both Tenorio and Aguilar were healthy enough to anchor the team’s campaign again.

The end result had the Kings winning their 13th championship overall, trying the fabled Crispa Redmanizers at No. 4 overall in the all-time winning list. Cone solidified his legacy as the league’s most accomplished coach with 23 titles under his belt.

Cone will be joined by 2019 Baby Dalupan Coach of the Year winner Leo Austria of San Miguel on centerstage during the special two-in-one awards night presented by Cignal TV. The program will be shown over PBA Rush on March 8.

Also receiving major awards are Commissioner Willie Marcial as

Mr. Executive and Chairman Ricky Vargas, recipient of the 2019 Danny Floro Executive of the Year.

To be recognized with the President’s Award are the 12 member teams for the sacrifices they made to help restart the league’s 45th season, along with 2019 winner Vergel Meneses, current Bulakan, Bulacan mayor and one of the 25 Greatest Players in league history.

NorthPort veteran Sean Anthony meanwhile, will be honored as the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year.

The rest of the awards to be given include Top Bubble D-Fender (Justine Chua), All-Bubble D-Fenders (Calvin Abueva, Chris Ross, Mark Barroca, Christian Standhardinger, and Chua), Mr. Quality Minutes (RJ Jazul), Scoring Champ (CJ Perez), Game of the Bubble (Barangay Ginebra-Meralco Game 5 semis) and the All-Rookie Team (Aaron Black, Arvin Tolentino, Roosevelt Adams, Barkley Ebona, and Renzo Subido).

A special citation will also be handed out to the PBA staff for its non-stop work to ensure the well-being of the Clark bubble.