As Ginebra rests bid on Tony Bishop, Tim Cone optimistic on versatility

From what he saw in Tony Bishop the last time Barangay Ginebra faced the import, coach Tim Cone sees no problem dealing with the dilemma of having to find a temporary replacement for Justin Brownlee.“

We really liked his versatility, the way he can play on and off the ball,” Cone told the Inquirer, something he had said in television interviews that confirmed Bishop as the one who’ll the fill the reinforcement role for the crowd favorites in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Brownlee’s failed doping test during Gilas Pilipinas’ historic run to the gold medal in the Asian Games which is expected to result in a suspension from competitions like the PBA, prompted Ginebra to take a proactive approach of hiring a replacement instead of playing the waiting game.

And they found one in Bishop, who in April 2022 was on the opposing end as Meralco’s import during the Governors’ Cup title clash with Ginebra.

Cone recalled having to face excruciating moments trying to stop Bishop, who in 25 games of that 2022 Governors’ Cup averaged 25.7 points, 13.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.7 steals.

Bishop was actually Meralco’s sudden replacement for ex-NBA player Shabazz Muhammad, who had to back off from accepting the Bolts role before that conference started.

Bishop steered Meralco not only to the Finals but a 2-1 series lead against the Gin Kings.

But Cone and Ginebra were able to win the next three games and emerge as the team that lifted the championship once again at Meralco’s expense.

“We gained a lot of respect playing him in that six-game Finals,” said Cone. “If it wasn’t for Christian’s (Standhardinger) outstanding defense against Tony, we never would have won that series.”

Bishop was due to arrive Saturday in time for Monday’s practice, where he’ll look to get up to speed with his new teammates before Ginebra kicks off the season on Nov. 15.

“Most importantly, we think he is a winner and he’ll do whatever it takes to help us win,” said Cone.