Chot Reyes has announced that he will leave his future as the head coach of Gilas Pilipinas up to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas after the team’s campaign concludes against China this Saturday.
Under Reyes’ leadership, Gilas lost four consecutive matches spanning the group and classification stages of the tournament.
The national team suffered a defeat against the Dominican Republic, 87-81, on August 25, followed by an 80-70 loss to Angola on August 27, a 90-83 setback against Italy on August 29, and finally, a 87-68 loss to South Sudan tonight.
These outcomes have shattered the host nation’s aspiration of securing a spot in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris as the best-placed Asian team in the competition. This dream faded as Japan triumphed earlier tonight, defeating Venezuela 86-77 in Okinawa.
“With regards to my personal future, that really is at the hands of the federation,” said Reyes. “But for me, myself, you all know that I’ve already retired and left this job several times.
“But when I’ve been asked to come back, I could not turn my back to the call of service for flag and country. As to what the future holds, it’s up to the federation. They know my feelings. We’re in constant communication and that’s why I cannot answer what is the future of this Gilas team.”
While the question of who will assume the role of Gilas head coach if Reyes is replaced remains unanswered, the individual in charge will collaborate with young players who possess the potential to become stars for the country in international tournaments.
It would have been gratifying if Gilas had experienced a successful run in this FIBA Basketball World Cup as the home team. Unfortunately, thoughts about the future are now prevalent following a series of disastrous results.
“Like I said, what we have right now is only what’s in front of us. Like I said, even a part from me, the future of these guys, the core that we have right now, that’s a very young core — Kai (Sotto), AJ (Edu), Dwight (Ramos), even Rhenz (Abando), Jamie (Malonzo),” said multiple-time PBA Coach of the Year.
“These guys are in their early 20s. Some in their mid-20s. I think there’s a core, a nucleus of guys here that has a bright future ahead of them.”
