Tim Cone in full support of Sean Chambers' coaching career

Tim Cone and Sean Chambers at the 2024 ANTA Asiabasket International Championship, July 13, 2024 at the Enderun Colleges. Handout/Asiabasket

MANILA -- As he embarks on his first season of coaching in the Philippines with Far Eastern University, legendary PBA import Sean Chambers can count on the support of one of the icons of the local hoops scene. 

Tim Cone, who coached Chambers during his heyday with the Alaska Aces in the PBA, is backing his former player in his endeavor.

"I've known Sean for many many years and even though he was my player, he also became one of my best friends so we've been in contact  all these years, even when he was coaching women's teams in the States," Cone said.

READ: Sean Chambers named new FEU Tamaraws head coach

READ: FEU to compete with integrity much like Alaska, vows Chambers

Just recently, Cone asked Chambers to join his coaching staff in Gilas Pilipinas for the national team's campaign in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Riga, Latvia. A few days after the qualifiers, Cone visited Chambers during the Tamaraws' game against DKI Jakarta of Indonesia in the 2024 ANTA Asiabasket International Championship.

"He's one of the best persons I've ever been around, he's a really great human being and he's a great representative for coaches," said Cone of Chambers, who steered the Tamaraws to a 79-38 rout on Saturday at the Enderun Colleges.

Chambers has had a promising start with the Tams, helping them make the semifinals in the FilOil tournament. In Asiabasket, they have leaned on the likes of rookie sensation Veejay Pre and the core led by Royce Alforque, Janrey Pasaol, Jorick Bautista, and Mohammed Konateh.

FEU escaped San Beda University in their first game, 82-74, but split their matches against Mapua University and fellow UAAP contender Adamson University before bouncing back against the winless Indonesian club.

Cone said Chambers has the same coaching principle as him and stressed the latter's arrival would only do the Philippine basketball good.

"I know his students, they just love him, so he brings that kind of personality to his coaching. We are alike in terms of our coaching values and the way we approach the game," Cone said.

"I'm really happy and proud that he's here and I get to spend more time with him. He was with me in Europe during the Gilas's tournaments, he was invaluable to us and it's just great to have him around."

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