Tim Cone is the new Head Coach of B-MEG

A B-MEG team that has all the tools for a season of redemption is 

simply too tempting to resist and Tim Cone is only human.

It is not too surprising therefore for the multi-titled tactician 

to choose the Llamados over others who also wanted his services for

the coming PBA wars.

"I did look at the other teams, their offers and gave them all a 

very deep thought. Then I looked at B-MEG and knew it was the best

 fit for me," Cone said after meeting his new team Wednesday.

"With the exception of three players, B-MEG is a veteran group, has

been playing along for a long time and everybody right down the line

made me feel so welcome," added Cone. "Also, the opening (for a head 

coach) was available. Turned out what most thought along was right, 

that it was the logical choice for me."

There were other reasons why Cone chose B-MEG over at least four teams

and others "outside the PBA"who have been courting him. Foremost is the

opportunity to coach a team spiked with the likes of James Yap, Kerby 

Raymundo, Marc Pingris and rookie Mark Barroca.

"It's one thing I considered closely," admitted Cone, adding he arrived 

at his decision only "two days ago."

The coach spent his first 22 years with Alaska, winning 13 titles – 

including a season sweep in 1996 – with the Uytengsu franchise. He 

resigned two weeks ago, purportedly to seek new challenges.There will be

a lot of that in the Llamados.

B-MEG is coming off a disappointing season where it wound up no higher 

than fourth, mostly due to an assortment of injuries that plagued most

of its players.

Except for Jonas Villanueva, who will be out for at least the season-

opening Philippine Cup, the rest have healed, including Kerby Raymundo 

and Rico Maierhofer, who will banner a frontline that also has Pingris,

Rafi Reavis and Joe Devance, Cone’s former stalwart with Alaska.

"I'm sure they're eager to come out and atone for the last season," said

Cone, before adding what he has in store to stoke the fire within the

Llamados.

"I'm known as a short rotation-guy, one who uses eight, nine players at

most," he stated. "I'm sure it will promote competition within the team. 

They have to perform to be inserted into the game.

"B-MEG has a very strong nine-man core and it will be interesting to see 

how the players fight it out for the last three slots."

Cone was formally introduced to the Llamados Wednesday noon by no less

than San Miguel Purefoods president Butch Alejo, team representative to

the PBA Board Rene Pardo and team manager Alvin Patrimonio at the Ronac

gym in Ortigas.

"We feel honored he chose us and, at the same time, he also felt B-MEG

can help him in his main drive for new challenges and opportunities in

his coaching career," related Pardo.

"Excited lahat. Maganda at very warm ang reception sa kanya," said 

Patrimonio following the two-hour session spent mostly with Cone 

introducing the players to his famed triangle offense. 

"Nag-walk through na kami ng triangle kanina," related James Yap, team

co-captain with Roger Yap."Very challenging yung sistema, pero mukhang 

okay sa amin."

The coaching carousel within the San Miguel Corporation group also got

affected since Cone will be bringing in two of his former players, 

Johnny Abarrientos and Jeff Cariaso, to work as his assistants along 

with Koy Banal and Richard del Rosario. 

Art de la Cruz has been shifted back to Ginebra while Rey Evangelista 

has retired. Jorge Gallent, who handled B-MEG last season, reportedly

has another assignment waiting for him. "I'm sure San Miguel will take

care of him," said Cone of his predecessor.

Abarrientos has worked as skills coach in Ginebra and Cone wants the

1996 MVP to hone Barroca, another former Far Eastern U product. 

"This is Johnny's first full-time assistant coaching job and it will be

fun to watch how he works with Barroca," mused Cone.

Cariaso is being brought in for another matter. 

"Jeff is Jeff. As has been proven in his many years with Alaska, he is 

the ultimate team player, gets along with everybody. He will be the glue

and leader of our team," said Cone.

In another development, Raymundo inked a new two-year contract extension

with B-MEG, which guarantees him P350,000 a month for the coming season.

"Saka na namin pag-uusapan kung puwede na siya sa new maximum (P420,000 

a month) next season,"related Pardo. (NC)