MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra’s head coach, Tim Cone, is renowned for taking a direct stance while talking about life and sports. His observations, which are based on his basketball prowess and expertise, are frequently quite important. Cone’s comments are a reminder to the San Miguel Beermen, who will play the Kings again on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in their PBA Governors’ Cup quarter final rematch. With both sides hoping for a pivotal win as the series heats up, this pivotal meeting promises to be a difficult contest. Cone’s performance-oriented approach and strategic thinking will surely be crucial to Ginebra’s preparation.

Barangay Ginebra won a hard-fought 99-94 victory at the Dasmariñas City Arena last Sunday, taking a 2-1 lead in their best-of-seven PBA Governors’ Cup semifinal series. With another victory, the Kings would be one step closer to repeating their 2023 tournament success and earning a position in the finals.

Coach Tim Cone credited the team’s recent triumph to their ability to maintain concentration and bounce back after Game 2’s disappointing 125-131 overtime loss. Cone emphasized how his team persevered in the face of hardship and maintained their poise under pressure, which was crucial to their victory in Game 3.

When asked what his squad learned from their failure to build on their 122-105 series opener, Tim Cone stressed that they don’t focus on the past. Cone clarified that dwelling on what may have been is ineffective, adding that there is a skill to moving on in basketball and other sports. He emphasized how moving forward is a vital life lesson that is frequently taught through the highs and lows of athletics.

Cone asserts that the next game should always be the main emphasis, regardless of a team’s performance. He emphasized the significance of being ready for the future and maintaining a laser-like concentration on the work that lies ahead. Cone compared this method of thinking to life, noting that regardless of the outcome—whether positive or negative—people must always find a way to go on. Maintaining focus on the future is crucial in both basketball and life.

The coach made it plain that his group would not waste time lamenting over what might have or ought to have occurred. He believes that the team must cope with the current circumstance rather than dwelling on the past because the present is what counts. His method exhibits a focused attitude, highlighting the value of mental toughness and foresight in competitive athletics.

His remarks demonstrate his conviction that, notwithstanding prior successes or setbacks, one should concentrate on what is yet possible. His team won’t let past performance hold them back as they continue to get ready for the future. This forward-thinking strategy is essential, especially in a high-stakes series where having the mental and emotional strength to succeed can make all the difference.

Ginebra’s primary goal at the moment is to attempt to at least equal SMB’s energy level, which should be equally restored and operational after the much-needed two-day respite.

Justin Brownlee and other key Kings players should benefit from the rest, even if it is only temporary. However, Cone also noted that June Mar Fajardo and the other Beermen are similarly affected.

Tim Cone observed that this is a crucial period for both teams. He emphasized that they are doing their best to keep June Mar Fajardo active and playing hard, and they would prefer not to give him an additional day off.

Fajardo was only allowed to shoot eight shots and score 12 points two days after defeating the Kings 23–21 in Game 2, indicating that the strain of having to overcome the pressure from the Kings’ defense, which was led by Japeth Aguilar, eventually got to him.

Brownlee steals the show with more well-rounded averages of 34 points, 10.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 3.0 blocks per game, while import EJ Anosike has been reliable for SMB with series averages of 31.3 points and 9.0 rebounds.