TIM Cone explained the story behind his surprise mention of the Miami Heat when discussing Kai Sotto’s NBA future and he did it exclusively on Bilyonaryo News Channel’s Scorecard.
The Gilas Pilipinas head coach revealed that his Miami comment came from a private conversation he had with Sotto in the hallway before the postgame press conference following the Philippines’ victory over Iran.
Cone said they were discussing Sotto’s next career move, including whether the 7-foot-3 center would pursue the NCAA route or continue chasing his NBA dream.
“We were talking about where he’s going. Is he going to do the NCAA? Is he going to do the NBA? What’s his route at this point? And it’s a little bit up in the air right now,” Cone explained on Bilyonaryo News Channel’s Scorecard.
It was during that conversation that Cone casually mentioned Miami.
“So I mistakenly, very mistakenly, said something about Miami without thinking about the microphones being there because we hadn’t started the press conference yet,” Cone said.
The comment was picked up by the microphones and quickly made its way into the public conversation.
“I thought, honestly, I was shocked it came out publicly, and I hope Miami doesn’t kill me for it,” he said.
But Cone stressed that the comment was not meant to suggest that he had a formal role in Sotto’s recruitment.
“I would really like to help Kai in any way I can,” he said. Cone admitted he does not have the kind of relationship with the Heat that would allow him to formally recommend Sotto.
“I don’t have the kind of relationship that I can go and recommend to the Miami Heat. You know, that’s talking off the top of my head,” Cone said.
Still, his belief in Sotto remains firm. “I truly believe he is an NBA player. He should be in the NBA.”
For Cone, getting Sotto to the league could ultimately come down to finding the right opportunity at the right moment.
“It’s just a matter, oftentimes, for the NBA to be in the right place at the right time,” he said. “And getting help to be there is really important.”
Sotto is currently a free agent after an impressive return to Gilas Pilipinas, helping the Philippines secure back-to-back wins over Jordan and Iran.
And while the Miami mention may have been an accidental hot mic moment, Cone made one thing unmistakably clear: he wants to help Kai Sotto find his way to the NBA. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
