Chot Reyes experienced yet another challenging event as the coach of the Philippines, witnessing Gilas drop another game in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, with a score of 90-83 against Italy.
The nationals’ dismal campaign has resulted in them becoming the first host team since Colombia in 1982 to conclude the preliminary round without a single win in the World Championships.
Reyes, often blamed for the national team’s shortcomings, faced boos when his name was announced, while all the players were greeted with cheers.
Prior to this evening’s game, Gilas lost 87-81 to the Dominican Republic last Friday and 80-70 to Angola last Sunday.
The Philippines finished at the bottom of the group with a 0-3 record, leading them to the classification phase where they will compete against China and either South Sudan or Puerto Rico.
“There are a lot of factors involved,” said Reyes. “Obviously, in the first game, Jordan Clarkson fouled out. That was a big factor. If he didn’t foul out, maybe it would have been a different story.
“Every game has different things happening. Last game, we couldn’t make shots. Today, we faced a team that made all their three-point shots. Like JC said, that’s basketball.”
For 40 minutes, Reyes struggled to find ways for Gilas to defeat Italy and do so with a margin of at least 12 points to advance to the second round of the World Cup. Unfortunately, Gilas only managed to take a lead of 26-22, thanks to Kiefer Ravena’s three-point shot at the 9:05 mark of the third quarter.
The Azzurri then took control of the game, leaving the home side unable to keep up. Consequently, this marked the third consecutive World Cup in which the Philippines failed to reach the second round.
“Every game is different. You have to approach each game, every possession, each play and that’s all we’re doing. We’re just keeping our heads down and focusing each possession and what’s in front of us, each play, each possession,” said the multiple-time PBA Coach of the Year
“That was our objective tonight as well. It was actually on our board — 40 minutes, to be able to put a good 40-minute game. We’ve shown that we can compete and even lead against these top teams,” the concurrent TNT head coach added.
“We’re just not able to put an entire game together but again that’s the reason why Italy is a top 10 team right? They know what it takes in these types of games.”
The only positive aspect for Reyes is that he still has an opportunity to regain favor in the eyes of those who hold reservations about him. The Philippines’ aspiration to qualify for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris remains alive. Gilas will now square off against China and, in all likelihood, South Sudan in the classification phase.
The nation’s objective is to emerge as the highest-ranked Asian nation to secure a spot in France next year, and all efforts are now concentrated towards achieving this goal.
“We continue to fight. That’s all we can do.”
