Cone takes responsibility for Kings’ fall

MANILA, Philippines — An apologetic coach Tim Cone took responsibility for Barangay Ginebra’s doomed campaign in the 46th PBA Philippine Cup and vowed a mighty bounceback for the fallen champs.

“I can’t find words to express our sorrow and embarrassment over our performance in the (Pampanga) bubble. We didn’t live up to the Ginebra legacy and that was totally my fault,” Cone posted on Twitter yesterday.

“I apologize to the Ginebra nation. All I can say is that it won’t happen again as long as I am the coach,” added the multi-titled mentor.

After ruling the PBA’s last two tournaments – the Governors’ Cup in 2019 and the lone All-Filipino conference staged in pandemic-hit 2020 – Cone’s charges looked to make it three-in-row with a beefed-up roster that included pre-season trade acquisition of Christian Standhardinger.

However, they struggled big-time and couldn’t really get going in the 2021 wars.

They barely got past the elimination round with a meager 4-7 mark and survived a playoff for No. 8 against Phoenix, 95-85, to advance last.

In the end, the struggles and manpower shortage proved too much to overcome even for the never-say-die Gin Kings.