After a 10th-place finish in the 2023 FIBA Under-18 Asian Championship, Josh Reyes has stepped down as the head coach of Gilas Pilipinas Boys.
This development has led to speculation about potential successors for the role.
Before the match between Far Eastern University and University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament, reports surfaced that Tamaraws head coach Sean Chambers had been approached by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) to take over the national youth program.
However, Chambers quickly dismissed the rumors, clarifying that no formal offer had been made.
His focus, he stated, remains with Gilas Pilipinas as an assistant coach to Tim Cone for the men’s team – particularly with the upcoming November window for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.
(C) Asiabasket
“Not at all. I have not been offered anything with Gilas [Youth]. I’m still going to be supporting Coach Tim in the seniors right now, for sure. That is for sure, the men’s team during the windows, but nothing with the younger guys, no,” Chambers told reporters after FEU’s 58-69 loss to the Fighting Maroons on Sunday.
Despite having no involvement in the youth program, Chambers emphasized his commitment to the overall growth of Philippine basketball.
“But, whatever I can do to support the journey of Philippine basketball and the growth of the country, I’m here. Actually, this is my home now, and whatever I can do to make basketball great and give my impact and knowledge, I’m here for that,” the Alaska Aces legend added.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Chambers’ responsibilities will remain with Gilas Pilipinas Men’s team, but his primary focus continues to be the Tamaraws, who are currently struggling in the ongoing UAAP season with a 0-4 record.
Despite the rough start, including narrow losses to Adamson University, National University, and University of the East – followed by an 11-point defeat to UP – Chambers remains optimistic.
“The positive is that with so many young guys, we continue to battle all the way through the game… [UP] is definitely a championship team for a reason; they’ve been there, they’ve done it, so you see their maturity level that we’re trying to get to,” Chambers said.
“We’re trying to get battle-tested right now, and that’s all we’re doing.”
