Chot Reyes appeared on camera taking a moment for himself while the rest of TNT stood at center court in total jubilation after winning the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup championship at the expense of Magnolia, Friday night.
The 58-year-old sat on the venue stage’s stairs and appeared to be holding back tears. There was no denying, though, that he felt overcome with emotions.
“It’s been a long journey,” he reflected moments after the championship presentation at the DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
Well, it’s definitely been a long one for Reyes. The decorated mentor spent nine years away from the league, until that call from none other than TNT team owner Manny V. Pangilinan paved the way for his comeback.
Eight months later, the PLDT/SMART Chairman saw himself proven right for bringing back the person who gave the ball club four titles, which included a rare treble in the all-Filipino conference to bag home the Perpetual trophy.
Reyes has now given the Tropa their eighth championship while hiking his personal collection to nine — back like he never left, as they say.
What makes it even more impressive is that he and TNT went through the San Miguel Corporation wringer on the way to the crown.
The Texters ousted erstwhile reigning champs Ginebra in the quarters by putting their win-once incentive into good use. Then they outlasted June Mar Fajardo and San Miguel Beer in a best-of-seven semis affair that went the distance.
And then, of course, they beat the Hotshots via gentleman’s sweep – similar to their series against the Gin Kings in last year’s Clark bubble finale.
Still, the former Gilas Pilipinas shot-caller did not make it all about himself. He gave all the credit to the players who did all they could in securing the crown; the team’s first since the 2015 Commissioner’s Cup.
“I have to give this really to the players. They really put in the effort. They stayed together through adversity,” he said.
Collective effort indeed did wonders in the victory. Mikey Williams and Roger Pogoy spearheaded the attack with 24 and 19 points, respectively.
Then there’s also the veteran presence of Jayson Castro, who contributed 10 points to collect his seventh title. Thirty-eight-year-old winger Ryan Reyes and Troy Rosario, meanwhile, chimed in nine markers each.
Poy Erram – another first-time champion like his national team brothers Pogoy and Rosario made his presence felt also. He had 10 rebounds and seven points as all but three players fielded scored at least a point in the clincher.
“This is just a great reward for all their hardships,” Reyes said. “I’m very very proud of how the guys behind me played.”
But as early as now, Reyes and Co. won’t be celebrating that long. The Tropang Giga now have their sights set on the second conference, which could start some time in November depending on the COVID-19 situation.
“As much as we want to savor this, we’re now looking forward to the next. On to the next,” he said.
“And we hope to compete well again.”
