Tim Cone close to signing with B-Meg

Source : Reynaldo Belen, InterAKTV

im Cone, the winningest among active coaches in the PBA, is close to bringing his famed triangle offense to the B-MEG Llamados.


A highly-placed source who requested anonymity told InterAKTV that Cone and the Llamados have resumed negotiations shortly after the veteran mentor returned from a short vacation in Guam.

“Yes, there’s a negotiation and they’re close to reaching an agreement that would make Tim Cone as coach of B-Meg,” the source wrote in a text message. “They’re hoping to finalize the details in a day or two.”

But another source privy to the discussion said that it’s not yet clear what Cone’s function will be when he joins the team.

“They’re still talking whether Coach Tim will coach right away or play the role as consultant for awhile,” said the second source. “But that should be finalized soon as they’ve already resumed talks.”

Cone coached the Alaska Aces for 22 years, leading the team to 13 championships and the last triple crown in the PBA in 1996. His departure from Alaska was announced earlier this month, with Cone asking for his release saying he wanted to do something different. The coach had two years remaining on his contract with the Aces.

The American tactician’s name has been linked to various high-profile coaching jobs, including that of B-MEG and of the De La Salle Green Archers in the UAAP.

The Llamados’ coaching situation, meanwhile, has also been in flux. Former coach Jorge Gallent was demoted to an assistant, while Richard del Rosario was named acting head coach.

Del Rosario, who currently coaches College of St. Benilde in the NCAA, said that while he had been informed verbally by B-MEG management of his appointment, he still doesn’t know the terms of his new designation.

“Until now, I still don’t know what would be my role with B-MEG is, but I’m already tasked to running the practices for several days now,” said Del Rosario.

He said he is aware of the rumors that Cone just might end up taking over his spot.

“I’ve been hearing a lot of speculations and reading unconfirmed reports that Coach Tim is going to join B-MEG,” said Del Rosario, who played briefly for Cone before the end of the former’s PBA career. “If it’s true, that would be okay with me.”