Tim Cone Defends Triangle Offense After FIBA Asia Cup Setback

MANILA, Philippines - Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone has mounted a spirited defense of his coaching tactics following the national team's disappointment at the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 tournament in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Addressing Triangle Offense Critics

The 67-year-old mentor, who holds the record for most PBA titles with 25 championships, faced criticism over his signature triangle offense system after Australia handed the Philippines an 84-60 defeat in their crucial matchup.

"When we were beating Latvia, nobody said anything about the triangle. When we were beating New Zealand, when we won the Asian Games, nobody was saying anything about the triangle," Cone emphasized during his appearance on the Power and Play program.

Embracing Social Media Feedback

In an era where public discourse shapes national narratives, Cone revealed his deliberate engagement with social media feedback, despite the challenges it presents:

• Actively reads online comments for valuable insights
• Acknowledges both constructive criticism and difficult feedback
• Recognizes the importance of public opinion in national team coaching

Looking Forward

With the FIBA 2027 World Cup Asian Qualifiers approaching in November, Cone remains committed to his role despite the pressures. "It's a tough job mostly because it's a critical position. But I'll continue to do it," he affirmed.

The veteran coach emphasized that while team chemistry is crucial, performance ultimately determines success. He acknowledged that the team didn't fully execute their planned vision during the recent tournament but maintains his faith in the system that has brought him unprecedented success in Philippine basketball.