MANILA, Philippines – By adding Sean Chambers, a former PBA Best Import, to the Gilas Pilipinas coaching team, coach Tim Cone has added a familiar face. Chambers was selected by the well-known champion coach to be one of his deputies when the national squad traveled to Europe in advance of the forthcoming Olympic Qualification Tournament.

With the Alaska team, Chambers played his whole PBA career under Cone. He was brought in to cover for Josh Reyes and LA Tenorio, who were out of the picture. The Gilas team and Chambers left early on Wednesday for Turkey in anticipation of their two upcoming friendlies.

Cone gave an explanation of the choice, emphasizing the urgent necessity for professional coaching assistance. Cone stated, “We just looked around and said we’re short.” He went on to say that Tenorio is busy with other duties at Barangay Ginebra, while Reyes is now with the Gilas Pilipinas U-17 squad for the FIBA U-17 Basketball World Cup in Istanbul.

Chambers’ crucial contribution was highlighted by the coach, who said, “He’s just the perfect guy; he knows our system and the Triangle Offense inside and out. His experience and familiarity with the system are invaluable.” Cone also mentioned how important Chambers’ presence is, particularly for the players who are still getting used to the intricate Triangle Offense. “If you have been around him, you would understand that he’s one of the most valuable people you could have on your team. His insights and guidance are critical,” Cone said.

Chambers is a valuable addition to the coaching team due to his wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge of the game. As the team works to improve performance and hone methods to further establish their competitive advantage on the global scene, his involvement is anticipated to be crucial. Chambers’s addition provides a consistency and competence combination that is essential for the national team’s hopes in the next Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Richard Del Rosario, another key assistant, is now Gilas’ full-time team manager.

“Sean came at the last minute. He stepped in. He played with me for 13 years, he knows me personally as well as anybody I’ve ever met.”

From 1989 until 2001, Chambers won six titles with Alaska as an import, including a grand slam in the 1996 campaign. In 1991, when the Aces won their first title, he was the lone recipient of the league’s Mr. 100 percent award (Norman Black was the first recipient of this honor). Five years later, when the proud organization achieved a rare season sweep, he was named Best Import.

The team finally retired Chambers’ No. 20 jersey. The native of Los Angeles, California came back to her home state early this year after accepting the position of head coach at Far Eastern University. It was easier for Chambers to become an instant member of the Gilas coaching staff because he is now stationed in the Philippines.

“We begged him and we begged FEU. Thank goodness, he said yes and FEU said yes,” said Cone.

The coach feels that Chambers, who spent more than ten years playing under Cone, can greatly help the Gilas players quickly become proficient in the Triangle Offense. “He’s just the perfect guy; he knows our system and the Triangle inside and out. His experience and familiarity with the system are invaluable,” said the Gilas coach with enthusiasm.

Chambers’ extensive experience and deep understanding of the game make him an indispensable asset as the team aims to excel and refine their strategies, further solidifying their competitive edge on the international stage. The coach further emphasized Chambers’ exceptional qualities by saying, “If you have been around him, you would understand that he’s one of the most valuable people you could have on your team. His insights and guidance are critical, especially for our players who are still adapting to the Triangle.”