Can Tim Cone handle two coaching jobs?

Ginebra coach Tim Cone (photo by Peter Paul Baltazar)
Ginebra coach Tim Cone (photo by Peter Paul Baltazar)

Tied up to the celebrated departure of Aldin Ayo from the DLSU Green Archers camp, the name of Tim Cone has cropped up in a frenzy. The multi-titled PBA coach has been linked to the UAAP Season 79 champion squad, possibly coming in as a consultant.

The fact that Cone is under the SMB umbrella makes the scenario likely. When asked, the American coach said that he has yet to be approached by the Green Archers management for the role. It may also be good to note that his wife, Cristina Viaplana, comes from DLSU too.

Regardless, all this is hearsay – at least for now. But it won’t come as a surprise if ever it does go down. As one La Salle insider quipped: “Don’t be surprised if Tim Cone comes on board the DLSU bandwagon.”

Who will be guiding who?

As for the head coaching job, it is former Green Archer and current Ginebra assistant coach Richard Del Rosario being mentioned as a potential replacement. Though he hardly impressed when he mentored the College of St. Benilde, most believe that he has enriched his coaching under the tutelage of Cone. But will it be him calling the shots?

The setup could technically be the same as the one Ateneo had with coach Tab Baldwin. Sandy Arespacochaga was initially the recognized coach with Baldwin behind the bench. As most know, Baldwin was eventually named the head coach, and the result was the UAAP Season 80 triumph. Will the Archers follow the same steps?

Can Cone thrive in college ball?

In the PBA, there is no question that Cone has established himself as a masterful tactician. He is famous for the vaunted triangle offense which has been doing wonders for Gin Kings.

It remains to be seen if he can garner the same success in the collegiate ranks. His system could be put to the test, again similar to what Baldwin was able to do.

So does this mean Cone eventually steps down from Ginebra and focus on DLSU? That is a possibility but dependent on how thing goes at the Green Archers camp. For as long as he can handle the pressure of controlling two high profile squads, nothing will change.

Meanwhile, the same report from the MB Sports Online mentions Eric Altamirano as a strong candidate to land the DLSU head coaching gig. Coach E called the shots for Flying V in the previous PBA D-League Foundation Cup. His son, Anton, was recently appointed to handle DLSU’s Team B and is expected to be one of the new assistant coaches to the main squad.

Until the DLSU camp issues an official announcement, the names of Cone, Del Rosario and Altamirano will be up in the air as potential successors to Ayo. 2017 was not a good year for the Green Archers basketball team, and this is expected to drag on until 2018 – at least before UAAP Season 81 kicks off.