Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone has extended his heartfelt congratulations to fellow mentor Norman Black and the entire Philippine national basketball contingent for their triumphant performance at the recently concluded 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. Both the men's and women's teams secured gold medals in dramatic fashion against the host nation.
A Double Golden Triumph for the Philippines
The Philippine men's national basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, clinched the gold medal by defeating host Thailand with a final score of 70-64. Not to be outdone, the Gilas women's team mirrored this achievement, overcoming the Thai squad in their own gold medal match with a close 73-70 victory. This double-gold finish underscores the depth of talent and competitive spirit within Philippine basketball on the regional stage.
Cone's High Praise for a Championship Pedigree
In statements published by Spin.ph, Tim Cone did not hold back in applauding the teams' resilience. "From Game 1, there was never an easy game… but still finding ways to win," Cone remarked, highlighting the challenging path to the podium.
He reserved special acclaim for Gilas SEA Games head coach Norman Black, urging fans and observers to remember Black's legendary status. "I don't know if I should even say this but I think everybody forgets how great a coach Norman Black is," Cone stated. He pointed to Black's impeccable record: 11 championships in the PBA and five consecutive titles in the UAAP, solidifying his reputation as a quintessential championship coach.
Recognition for Key Gilas Players
Beyond the coaching staff, Cone also singled out and praised the contributions of several key players who were instrumental in the SEA Games campaign. He specifically named:
- Jamie Malonzo
- Robert Bolick
- Ray Parks
- Matthew Wright
Their performances under pressure were vital in securing the coveted gold medals for the Philippines.
This sweeping success at the 2025 SEA Games serves as a powerful morale booster for Philippine basketball, demonstrating the country's continued dominance in the sport within Southeast Asia and setting a positive tone for future international competitions.
