Prior to its conquest of the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup the other night, Barangay Ginebra last won the mid-season tournament 21 years ago in 1997.
Gin Kings win the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup crown. PBA
During that time, Tim Cone was on the losing end as he was still Alaska’s tactician.
Now, Cone is just glad that he’s on the winning side as he expressed the satisfaction of winning his third championship as the Gin Kings’ coach since he took over in 2015.
“It just feels so good to be part of Ginebra and having to experience winning championships for this team,” said Cone after Ginebra dethroned the San Miguel Beermen and took their finals clash, 4-2, last Wednesday.
Cone recalled the time in the mid-90s when he was spearheading the Aces’ bid against the Robert Jaworski-led Ginebra squad.
“Back then, I was always trying to beat Ginebra. I wondered how it felt to be on their side with all the fans and support but now, I’m so glad to be experiencing this with the team.”
The league’s winningest coach just enhanced his already distinguished legacy, capturing his 21st championship in the process.
Cone then went on to credit his players for a job well done as they were able to take down the mighty Beermen to win their third championship in the last six conferences.
“These players are just the best. I mean, we started out at 1-5 but they kept working hard, kept believing in the team and here we are, winning another championship.”
The Gin Kings peaked when it mattered after their tumultuous start.
They won 12 of 13 games in one stretch that lasted from the eliminations all the way to the finals.
More importantly, they won the finals’ last three games after trailing 1-2 in the series to once again claim glory.