TIM Cone admitted he failed to do a solid job coaching Barangay Ginebra, which heads into a two-month break with a dismal 2-4 record at the bottom of Group B in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.
The Gin Kings dropped a 97-88 decision to the Meralco Bolts last Friday.
“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. “I feel bad for [import] Riley [Grigsby] because I just haven't done a good job over these last six games. I'm a little worn out, or whatever, or distracted — but I need to be better, we need to be better.”
The American coach certainly has a lot on his plate. He is tasked with leading Gilas Pilipinas practices starting Monday as the national team begins preparations for the second round of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, followed by the Asian Games this September in Nagoya, Japan.
“This has been a tough stretch for us, but we know better times are ahead. Again, I just wish I had done better for Riley. He's such a good guy,” Cone added.
The 26-year-old Grigsby averaged 26.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists during his six-game stint with Ginebra.
However, Friday’s game might have been Grigsby's last, as resident import Justin Brownlee is set to be reactivated when the PBA resumes in October.
Grigsby, a former Santa Cruz Warriors forward, put up 34 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in the loss against Meralco.
