Chot Reyes to miss at least two PBA Finals games to coach Gilas

Chot Reyes is set to miss at least two games in TNT's best-of-seven finals series against San Miguel as the veteran mentor will call the shots for Gilas Pilipinas in the fourth window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Al Panlilio bared the news on Friday during the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup Finals press conference at the Novotel.

"Chot is being tasked to make the sacrifice. We have to go through in the two games that Chot won’t be around," said Panlilio, who also serves as TNT governor.

"I’m confident that the team will go together before he comes back, so we’re playing not only for the flag and country, we’re playing for each other."

Gilas is set to fly to Beirut next week to play FIBA Asia Cup finalist Lebanon on August 25 before returning at home to take on Saudi Arabia on the 29th.

With Reyes gone temporarily, his deputies Yuri Escueta and Sandy Arespacochaga and team manager Jojo Lastimosa will work together to steer the Tropang Giga.

—JMB, GMA News