MORE PASSING LESS DRIBBLE

This is the new system of play Gilas-Pilipinas hoping and trying to master with perfection under the watchful eye of current head Coach Tim Cone as it worked wonders in the last Asian Games in Hangzhou, China wherein the country won the gold medal for the first time after six decades and in his other mentorship stint with the national team.

Basically, Cone’s “more passing, less dribble”, playing policy, is anchored on a re-knowned as “The Triangle-Offense” as perfected by the Chicago Bulls, the legendary coach Phil Jackson, in dominating the NBA back the 1990’s winning five championships. And in the process Jackson, produced what is regarded now as the Greatest of All of Time (GOAT) player Michael Jordan to step in the hardcourt.

The said Triangle Offense, which replaces former Gilas mentor Chot Reyes’ motion offense, drive and go strategy, made Cone as the PBA’s winningest coach (14), leading the Victoria Mills franchise Alaska Milk and his recent accolade bestowed upon him by the country’s oldest media organization, Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) as Coach of The Year.

Likewise the play is designed to make their offense faster without wasting time to set-up plays and better scoring opportunities and at the same have the opposing team’s defenses rattled, while leaving them guessing who or where the shots will come from.

His style of play in mentoring three PBA teams so far, has likewise produced legendary players in the likes of Johnny Abbarientos, as The Flying A, Jojo Lastimosa, as the new Mr. Clutch, the sweet-shooting Rene Hawkins, Jeffrey Cariaso,“ Cool-Cat” among others.

True enough to his conviction, Cone style of play or strategy has brought out the best potentials talents from all the players he had handled as his brand of strategy had gained some acknowledgement from co-coaches, basketball analyst, players themselves, officials and critics of the game.

Gilas-Pili[pinas brand new style of play,proved wonders In the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifier for 2025, as the nationals romped off to a 94-64 win over Hongkong, as the 12-man roster earlier picked by Cone, have only five days to prepare and practice together before flying to HongKong the next day.

During the Gilas-Pilipinas and Hongkong match, Cone admitted that they (coaching staff) relaxed as the Hongkobites managed to up a tough fight in the first two quarters wherein they traded shots with the Filipinos and stayed with distance,41-37, at the half before finally got their offense going as they opened up leads as much as 10-points,53-43. Then the Gilas broke the contest midway in the third quarter,71-53.

Cone, though is not quite happy at the start, but somehow thankful that the “more passing, less dribble,” system had properly carried out and executed, believed they really need to work harder in the next two games against Chinese-Taipei tonight ,Feb.25 at the Philsports Arena.

Win or loss against Chinese-Taipei, will be the part where Cone will have to make the necessary adjustments, defensively and offensively. Gilas is also set to meet New Zealand in the next window. Meanwhile, The Taiwanese, gave the Kiwis a good scare throughout match, before New Zealand put a final run in the last quarter enroute to an 89-64 triumph.