After accumulating tough losses in the 31st Southeast Asian Games, the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup, and against Lebanon in the opening of the World Cup Asian Qualifiers’ fourth window, Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes faced the music on Monday evening.
And the symphony of boos rang loud and clear.
When he entered the playing court, there were boos. When he was shown on the big screen, he was jeered.
Coach Chot being shown on the big screen here at SM Mall of Asia Arena#LabanPilipinas #FIBAWCQ pic.twitter.com/KktsORy4f3
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) August 29, 2022
And during the game itself, he was heckled.
Of course, it will be tough to ignore those. And when asked about it after Gilas’ 84-46 whipping of Saudi Arabia, the PBA’s six-time Coach of the Year was close to wiping his hands of how he landed the post that was previously handled by beloved Tab Baldwin.
All he did was step up when no one wanted the role.
“Me coming back here has absolutely no individual consideration. There’s no me in this whole thing for me,” said Reyes moments after nabbing his first win against a team that is not India in FIBA competition in this calendar year.
“The only reason I’m doing this is for my country. This is just my service for flag and country.”
Reyes knows that his so-called haters are much more than his supporters. It is the silent minority — including his players — that keeps him strong, he said.
“Like I told the players in the lockerroom, the bonds that we built, I’m willing to take all of that. As Jordan [Clarkson] says, all of that shit,” he said in jest, trying to fight off the emotions that were taking over.
“As much as, you know how many haters I have, I also have supporters. Maybe not that vocal and as noisy, but as long as I can inspire one or two individuals, then it’s all worth it — for as long as we have our players together in that locker room.”
The man who steered the Philippines to the 2014 World Cup is taking in all the bullets, all the rocks, and all the vicious words.
After all, he wants it shot, thrown, and hurled at him rather than the players.
“For me, I much rather get bood by the crowd than the players get bood. Boo-hin niyo na ako ng todo, basta suportahan niyo lang yung players,” he said.
“Murahin niyo na ko, bash niyo na ko ng todo, basta suportahan lang natin yung players.”
