Gilas Pilipinas assistant coach Tim Cone took a closer look at Karl-Anthony Towns when the Dominican Republic defeated Canada in a friendly match in Spain.
The multi-titled mentor had only one observation: Towns is good as advertised.
In a message to Daily Tribune, Cone said he wouldn’t be surprised if the seven-footer from the Minnesota Timberwolves would assert his dominance when the Dominicans face Gilas in the opening salvo of the FIBA Basketball World Cup on Friday at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
Cone, who had already seen a lot of talent in his more than three decades of coaching career, marveled at how Towns changes the complexion of the game, similar to the impact being made by National Basketball Association star Jordan Clarkson whenever he is on the floor for Gilas Pilipinas.
“KAT changes the way they play,” Cone said in a Viber message.
“Like Jordan Clarkson for us, his presence takes his team to another level.”
Cone believes that with Towns in tow, the Dominicans will give them a tough time.
“Suffice to say, they are really tough,” Cone said after witnessing the Dominicans’ 94-88 victory over the star-studded Canadian squad and a close 77-86 loss to reigning World Cup champion Spain in Granada last week.
“This will be a huge challenge for us.”
Gilas head coach Chot Reyes said they have already received Cone’s scouting report and they will dedicate the next three days preparing for the Dominicans.
“It’s all Dominican Republic,” Reyes said in a statement released by the federation.
“We have already integrated Scottie (Thompson), Jordan and Kai (Sotto) into the team so now, it’s all Dominican Republic.”
After winning over Ivory Coast, Gilas suffered back-to-back losses to Montenegro and Mexico in their friendly series, the last stretch of their preparation for the prestigious 32-nation tournament.
In their last game against Mexico, Gilas coach Chot Reyes didn’t field Clarkson in a bid to preserve him for the tough grind ahead.
Prior to facing Mexico, the former NBA Sixth Man of the Year awardee erupted for 18 points in the first half before adding nine markers in the third. In the fourth, he played only two minutes and didn’t return.
