MANILA, Philippines – Tim Cone has always wanted to meet Brian Goorjian.

Cone will get a chance to do that when Barangay Ginebra faces Goorjian and Bay Area in the PBA on Sunday, October 9, at the PhilSports Arena as the two most successful coaches in the Asia-Pacific region collide.

“[H]e’s someone I’ve always heard and someone I’ve always wanted to meet and I’ve never met him. He’s basically a legend. He’s done everything,” Cone said.

It will be a battle of wits between Cone and Goorjian, who have won multiple championships in their respective leagues.

Cone holds the distinction as the winningest coach in the PBA history with 24 titles, including Grand Slams with two different teams.

Goorjian, meanwhile, owns six championships in the National Basketball League in Australia and has won NBL Coach of the Year six times.

On top of his accomplishments in the NBL, Goorjian led Australia to its first Olympic men’s basketball medal when the Boomers snagged bronze in the Tokyo Olympics.

“He’s coached in the NBL, he’s coached in the States, he’s coached internationally, and he’s been really successful,” Cone said.

“Literally everywhere he’s gone, he was successful, and obviously, he’s successful right here with us. He’s a fantastic coach.”

Goorjian and Bay Area have been a force in the Commissioner’s Cup as they tote a perfect 3-0 record following a blowout of Blackwater and two comeback wins over NorthPort and Phoenix.

But Cone and the Gin Kings look to slay the Dragons, who will be switching imports from Myles Powell to NBA veteran Andrew Nicholson when they face off.

“I have fun watching their games ’cause I feel like there are things we can pick up from watching him. He has all my respect, and I do hope to meet him one time,” Cone said.

“Maybe we can talk basketball at some point. But I’ve never had the opportunity to meet him all these years. We’ve crossed paths, but I don’t think we’ve ever met.” – Rappler.com