TIM Cone had a grand vacation befitting a two-time grand slam coach. Getting a much-needed break after a run of four successive PBA championships with San Mig, Cone took a vacation with his family in the US which was also highlighted by meetings with Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra and a chance encounter with the great Phil Jackson. Cone, the most successful coach in PBA history in terms of championships won with 18, said he met with Spoelstra a few times at the Fil-American coachs hotel when he went to watch the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. “I met with Erik Spoelstra a number of times including having breakfast with him at his hotel,” Cone told Spin.ph on Thursday, three days after returning to Manila. Spoelstra has guided the Heat to four straight NBA Finals appearances, including back-to- back championships in 2012 and 2013, yet Cone came away impressed with the Miami head coach’s attitude. “The one thing about Coach Erik is that hes a learner,” noted Cone, himself a longtime student of the game. “Hes always out there searching for new things to learn and incorporate in his coaching.” This early, Cone said Spoelstra is finding new ways to develop an offense that could make up for the huge scoring void left by four-time NBA MVP LeBron James, who rejoined the Cleveland Cavaliers last month. “At this point, hes trying to develop an offense that will be able to make up for some of the absence of Lebron James,” said the 56-year-old San Mig coach. “Hes looking for a more player movement offense, not just ball movement. He seems intrigued by the triangle (offense), but is even more intrigued by its principles which he would like to incorporate into an offense that he develops,” he added. Cone said he also had a chance to speak briefly with New York Knicks president for basketball Jackson, the top exponent of the triangle offense during his time with the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers. Cone said much of their conversation centered on Tex Winter, the father of the triangle offense who Cone also regards as a mentor. Cone related that Winter suffered a stroke a few years ago, although the 92-year-old former assistant coach of Jackson has been doing well health-wise. After the NBA Summer League, Cone flew to Washington D.C. to be with his family where they stayed for just over a week, before returning to Manila. Cone and the Mixers still have a month to refresh their weary bodies after a bruising season that saw them win four straight PBA titles in a span of 11 months. The Mixers resume practice on September 10, where they will start with twice-a-day training. Follow the writer on Twitter: @richava - admin drey
Posted on: Fri, 08 Aug 2014 07:32:32 +0000
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