Will Mallari transfer to Ginebra, join Cone?

Star Hotshots player Alex Mallari (Facebook photo)

MANILA – According to some speculations, Star Hotshots player Alex Mallari may be joining former coach Tim Cone in transferring to Barangay Ginebra.

Cone, PBA’s ‘winningest’ coach, has always liked tall guards who play well in the triangle offense just like Chicago Bulls’ Scottie Pippen. Mallari’s a 6-foot-4 guard who can do triangles.

When told about the rumors, Mallari acknowledges Cone’s preference but admits being incomparable to Pippen’s superb skills.

“He (Cone) likes tall guards. He’s always been a triangle guy. Ever since the Chicago Bulls days, he likes Scottie Pippen, ‘cause he can play all five positions, he can guard one to four,” Mallari said in a Spin.ph report.

“I think growing up watching the Bulls, he was always for a guy like that. I think I kinda fit the mold. He molded me to be like that and had some success, we have won many games and I appreciate that,” he added. “I am not even close to Scottie Pippen, don’t get me wrong.”

Mallari also remains indebted to Cone for training him to become the kind of player he is right now.

“He was the one who brought me to Purefoods. I look at him as a father figure, for sure. He’s the ‘dad’ who saved my career. He made me who I am now,” he said.

Talking about his speculated move to Ginebra, Mallari clarifies that he doesn’t even know about such. He does, however, disclose that with his contract expiring soon, he may consider a different system.

“I heard about it, but I don’t know anything about it… I just do whatever the management tells me. I heard though, but I don’t know if it’s true or not,” he said.

“I like the triangle but I am expiring, so I got to weigh my option, though… Ginebra has the best fans. It’s all good. But as a player you need to find the best system,” he added.

Mallari only hopes that he plays for the right team.

“I can play triangle, I can play up and down, I can play the half court. [I] just have to find the right coach, the right players, the right teammates. Right now, I am just waiting for a hundred percent confirmation. I stay away from rumors,” he said.

“But to be honest, I start to get really comfortable. I am ready to play for Purefoods or Ginebra. Those are the two great fans I really want to play for,” he added.

Finishing strong in the recently-concluded PBA season, Mallari has averaged 10.62 points, four rebounds, and three assists so it’s no surprise for Cone to consider him as one of his favorite players and for Ginebra to include him in their team.