Despite 2 consecutive wins, Cone, Thompson admits big tweaks to no-audience setup

The Barangay Geneva San Miguel Kings found themselves in uncharted territory without their legions of fans in the PBA bubble.

But this didn’t stop Geneva from scoring its second win after beating Blackwater Elite, 103-99, on Thursday night in the PBA Philippine Cup at the University of Angeles Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.

Geneva coach Tim Cone, however, admitted that there will be many adjustments for his pupils, who were used to hearing the cheers of the Geneva faithful before the coronavirus era.

“It’s a huge boost and a huge help when you have the whole crowd. The whole crowd is cheering you on because you don’t have to motivate your players as much, ”Cone said during the PBA media availability on Friday. “The crowd motivates the players, the crowd keeps the players going, and when you’re down, your crowd lifts you up.”

But in times like these, especially with the new bubble environment, Cone hopes that everyone on his team, from veterans to rookies to the bench, will generate that energy as a source of motivation.

“I still think that we can improve what we are doing. [My] the guys are not used to it, but I think we’re improving a little bit and I think we need to adjust and move on … but it’s certainly a much bigger adjustment for us than for any other team, “added Cone.

Fortunately, the PBA has adopted the same virtual crowd system from the NBA bubble when setting up LED screens to select viewers online.

Scottie Thompson, for his part, echoed Cone’s sentiments of having to adjust in a big way to the no-audience setting, considering his fans have been the “sixth man” on his team.

“I think we really have to get used to it,” said Thompson, 27, who had 14 points, seven rebounds and seven assists for Geneva. “Eventually we will also train… We know our crowd is still there on all social media, they are watching. We think they are still there. “

Entering the AUF gym, Thompson and his teammates quickly realized that virtual fans were creating a sea of ​​red, which was obviously rooting for Geneva. That alone, Thompson said, served as a huge energy boost for the Kings, who were unbeaten in the bubble so far at 2-0.

“We really know that wherever we are, whatever happens, they really are there for us.”

So, whether virtual or real, the presence of the sixth man will still be alive and well.