Sometimes in sports, the best stories aren’t just about buzzer-beaters or championships. Sometimes, they’re about moments that feel destined—ones that take years to come together, but when they do, they feel just right.

That’s exactly what’s happening now with Tim Cone and Norbert Torres.

Ten years ago, during the 2015 PBA Draft, Cone was faced with a tough decision. He had his eyes on Torres—a solid, reliable big man who had size, fundamentals, and a quiet work ethic. But Cone ended up going with a different direction: he drafted Scottie Thompson, a dynamic guard who, as we now know, turned out to be a star. It wasn’t a bad decision by any means—Thompson helped define Ginebra’s identity in the years that followed—but Cone has since admitted that part of him always wished he could have picked both.

Fast forward to 2025, and it finally happened. Cone, now with Barangay Ginebra, has added Norbert Torres to his roster at last. It’s a reunion that technically never happened—until now.

Not Just a Name, But a Fit

This isn’t just a feel-good story for the sake of nostalgia. Cone has a real need that Torres can fill. With Japeth Aguilar no longer able to carry the same heavy load in the frontcourt due to age and injuries, the team needs another dependable big man to rotate in. Torres brings exactly that: size, physicality, and experience. He’s not going to be the guy filling the stat sheet every night, but he’s the type of player who does the little things right—sets good screens, boxes out, defends without fouling, and keeps the game simple.

And sometimes, that’s exactly what a coach like Cone values the most.

The Long Road for Torres

For Torres, this isn’t just another team change—it’s a new chapter in a career that’s been anything but straightforward. Since entering the league in 2015, he’s bounced around: from Phoenix to Rain or Shine to Meralco. He’s always been a serviceable big man, but never quite found that one system where he could thrive long-term.

Until recently.

Just last season, Torres was part of the Meralco squad that finally broke through and won their first-ever PBA Philippine Cup title. It was a huge moment for the franchise—and for Torres, a well-earned reward after years of grinding. And now, with Ginebra, he gets to build on that momentum while playing under the winningest coach in PBA history.

Talk about timing.

Coach and Player, Finally Aligned

One of the most fascinating things about this story is how both Cone and Torres have grown over the past decade. Back in 2015, Cone saw potential in Torres but chose the flashier, more versatile guard. Torres, meanwhile, had to prove himself without the benefit of a coach who truly believed in him from day one.

Now, they meet again—both a little older, both more seasoned, and both finally on the same page.

It’s a reminder that sometimes, things don’t happen when you want them to—but they still happen at the right time.

What’s Next?

This reunion doesn’t guarantee success. Torres still has to earn his minutes, and Ginebra’s system is no walk in the park. Cone runs a structured, demanding offense. He expects a lot from his bigs—not just in scoring, but in reading plays, making smart passes, and defending without shortcuts.

But if there’s anyone who can step in and quietly make a difference, it’s Torres. And with Cone now fully in his corner, he has a chance to contribute to something bigger than himself.

More Than Just Basketball

At its heart, this story is about patience, opportunity, and a bit of unfinished business. It’s a reminder that careers don’t always follow a straight line—and that sometimes, the chapters that take the longest to write turn out to be the most meaningful.

For Cone and Torres, this is that chapter. Ten years in the making.

And finally, it’s here.