San Miguel Beer coach Tim Cone once again proved why he’s considered one of the best in Philippine basketball. In the team’s latest game, Cone’s pre-game pep talk seemed to unlock a new level of play for Jayson David, who delivered a standout performance that caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.

David, a rising star this season, has been steadily improving, but in this matchup, he looked unstoppable. Before tip-off, Cone took a moment to speak directly to the young guard, encouraging him to trust his instincts, play aggressively, and embrace his versatility on both ends of the court.

“I told him to play his game, stay confident, and not worry about mistakes,” Cone said. “He has all the tools; I just wanted him to feel comfortable using them.”

The results were immediate. David attacked the basket with purpose, made smart decisions in transition, and knocked down timely shots when his team needed them most. He contributed in multiple areas—scoring, rebounding, and facilitating plays—showing that he can be a complete player at this level.

“Coach’s words really motivated me,” David said. “He reminded me to focus on my strengths and trust what I’ve practiced. Once I did that, I just played freely.”

Commentators noted the difference as well. “He looked composed, confident, and more assertive than we’ve seen,” one analyst said. “It’s a perfect example of how a great coach can inspire a player, not just through strategy, but through encouragement.”

Teammates also praised the impact of Cone’s message. “When Jayson plays like this, it lifts the whole team,” said a veteran player. “You can see it starts with how mentally prepared he is. Tim’s talk set the tone for all of us.”

Throughout the game, David’s energy helped San Miguel gain the upper hand at key moments. Every time the opposition tried to close the gap, David made plays that maintained his team’s momentum.

For Cone, moments like these highlight the importance of mental preparation in basketball. “It’s not always about plays or systems,” Cone said. “Sometimes a player just needs confidence to let their abilities shine. Tonight, Jayson got that boost, and it made all the difference.”

If this performance is any indication, David could be shaping up as one of the league’s most exciting young talents. With his growing confidence and Cone’s mentorship, he has shown he can step up when it matters most.

“I just want to keep improving and help the team win,” David said. “If I carry this mindset into the next game, we can achieve a lot together.”

One thing is clear: a timely word from a legendary coach can turn potential into performance. For Jayson David, Cone’s pep talk was all it took to light up the court and make a real impact.