No hard feelings for Chot Reyes over search for new Gilas coach

Chot Reyes said he had no problem with the move of the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas to convene a selection committee that will decide who will take the reins of the national team.

 

The erstwhile Gilas Pilipinas coach told Jessica Soho on "State of the Nation" that the development is simply part of the process of evaluating the national program.

 

"I fully support the process. Tama naman yun, lahat ng programa at the end of it kailangan i-evaluate, kailangan i-assess kasi that's how a program develops," said Reyes.

 

"I've been part of the process since Day One. OK sa akin 'yun."

 

The post of national coach has been vacated, but SBP executive director Sonny Barrios made it clear that Reyes could still be considered for the post.

 

"I continue to serve at their mandate. Kung gusto pa nila, OK. Kung ayaw nila, OK din," said Reyes, adding that he made it clear to SBP president Manuel V. Pangilinan that he would be fine with any decision.

 

Reyes led Gilas to a silver medal finish in last year's FIBA Asia Championship, giving the Philippines a return ticket to the world stage. After finishing third in the FIBA Asia Cup, Gilas competed in the FIBA Basketball World Cup, where the team gave the Philippines its first win in top level international basketball in 40 years.

 

But the team faltered in the Asian Games, finishing seventh for the Philippines worst standing in the competition's history.

 

Reyes was at the center of controversy, drawing criticism for his blowup with and subsequent benching of naturalized center Marcus Douthit during the tournament.

 

When asked whether he would consider coaching the national team again, Reyes had a pat response: "Mahirap talikuran ang bayan." — JST, GMA News