From The Wires
Tim Cone and Sean Chambers never lost the bond even after their days together with the Alaska franchise, which they led to six PBA titles in the 90s.
And just recently, the two hooked up and reunited on the court again when Cone asked the former Aces import to join his coaching staff for Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Latvia.
Few days after they wrapped up their OQT run, Cone made sure to continue supporting Chambers in his coaching endeavors in the Philippines with the latter now calling the shots for Far Eastern University.
Cone, the winningest coach in the PBA, witnessed the Tamaraws crush DKI Jakarta of Indonesia, 79-38, in their encounter at the 2024 ANTA Asiabasket International Championship on Saturday at the Enderun Colleges, BGC.
“I’ve known Sean for many many years and even though he was my player, he also became one of my best friends so we’ve been in contact all these years, even when he was coaching women’s teams in the States,” Cone shared.
“He’s one of the best persons I’ve ever been around, he’s a really great human being and he’s a great representative for coaches”
Chambers has been impressive so far in his coaching debut in the Philippines.
Handling the most successful basketball program in the UAAP, Chambers has turned FEU’s offseason run around with a surprise semifinals appearance in another preseason tournament just last month.
In the ongoing Asiabasket tournament, the Tamaraws have also been spectacular with the likes of rookie sensation Veejay Pre and the core led by Royce Alforque, Janrey Pasaol, Jorick Bautista, and Mohammed Konateh leading the charge for the 20-time UAAP champion squad.
FEU escaped San Beda University in their first game, 82-74, but split their matches against Mapua University and fellow UAAP contender Adamson University before bouncing back against the winless Indonesian club.
Cone said Chambers has the same coaching principle as him and stressed the latter’s arrival would only do the Philippine basketball good.
“I know his students, they just love him, so he brings that kind of personality to his coaching. We are alike in terms of our coaching values and the way we approach the game,” Cone added.
“I’m really happy and proud that he’s here and I get to spend more time with him. He was with me in Europe during the Gilas’s tournaments, he was invaluable to us and it’s just great to have him around.”
