BARANGAY Ginebra head coach Tim Cone took responsibility for the Gin Kings’ recent struggles, admitting he has not coached at his best during their difficult six-game stretch.
Cone made the candid admission after Ginebra fell to Meralco, 97-88, on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, closing the first part of the PBA Governors’ Cup with a 3-3 record.
“That was a hard one tonight. I just told the guys after the game that I was sorry because I just don’t feel like I’ve coached very well over these last six games,” Cone said.
The veteran coach also expressed regret over how the team’s struggles affected import Riley Grigsby, who responded with 34 points and 10 rebounds in what could be his final game with the Gin Kings.
“I feel bad for Riley because I just haven’t done a good job over these last six games,” Cone said.
According to Cone, Ginebra failed to play with the consistency expected from a championship-caliber team throughout the stretch.
“We didn’t play like a championship team these whole six games, so we’ve got to figure that out,” he said.
Cone believes the extended break could give Ginebra the chance to reset and return with a renewed focus once the conference resumes.
“Hopefully this break will get everybody going in the right direction,” he said.
The coach also acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Justin Brownlee, who remains the team’s long-term import option once he returns from national team duties, with his health also being monitored.
“It’s always nice that we know Justin’s coming back, and hopefully he’ll be healthy after playing in the Asian Games,” Cone said.
But while Brownlee remains the plan, Cone made it clear that Grigsby will remain on standby.
“Riley will stay on call, of course. If something happens to Justin or he can’t make it, then it’s a good chance we bring Riley back,” Cone said.
“He’s a good guy. He knows what he’s doing.”
Grigsby himself has already expressed his willingness to return to Ginebra, saying he enjoyed his time with the franchise and would be ready whenever the team calls.
For Cone, the immediate priority is to use the break to regroup, with the coach also set to focus on the national team’s upcoming commitments before turning his attention back to Ginebra.
The Gin Kings may have entered the break with another loss, but Cone believes better days are ahead.
“We know the better times are coming ahead of us,” he said. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
