‘Worth a thousand golds’: Cone, Gilas hailed for 'monumental' Asian Games triumph

MANILA, Philippines – Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin joined Philippine sports officials in congratulating Gilas Pilipinas for winning the gold medal in the Hangzhou Asian Games. 

Baldwin, who coached Gilas in the past, said current head coach Tim Cone “did an outstanding job” in ending the country's 61-year basketball gold medal drought in the Asiad.

“It was just a great win. If you go back to the stat sheet, throw this damn thing out. That game is all about toughness and defense,” Baldwin told reporters during Saturday's UAAP Season 86 actions. 

“Tim Cone did an outstanding job manipulating that lineup. And, Chris Newsome’s job on Rondae was otherworldly. That does not show up on [the stat sheet,]” he added. 

He also lauded his former Ateneo ward Angelo Kouame for dominating the paint against Jordan on Friday. 

“Ange Kouame getting the minutes that he got and controlling the paint against Ahmad Al Dwairi. I’ve known [Al Dwairi] since he was a 17-year-old kid when I was coaching Jordan. He’s a hell of a basketball player. And he did not like Ange being out there,” Baldwin said. 

“I just admire the defense as a coach. And I’m very, very happy for Tim and the staff and all the players and obviously very happy for the Filipino public. This is a great day in basketball in this country and it should be treasured. I think, stop analyzing. Just enjoy."

Meanwhile, the gold medal finish of GIlas Pilipinas is “worth a thousand golds,” Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino.

Gilas’ gold medal finish on Friday night over Jordan was historic, as it is the country’s first gold since 1962. 

“After 61 years … Thank you Lord, we proved once again that the Philippines is the No. 1 in Asia,” Tolentino said in a statement.

He added that Gilas’ win is a prayer answered.

It is the Philippines’ fourth gold medal in the Asiad, following similar wins by pole vaulter EJ Obiena and ju-jitsu fighters Meggie Ochoa and Annie Ramirez. 

Tolentino, however, said that the Philippines should have five gold medals, believing boxer Eumir Marcial won his close bout against local bet Tanglatihan Tuohetaerbieke. Instead, the Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist lost a decision