Cambodia coach Harry Savaya has parting words for Chot Reyes: I can teach him if he wants

PHNOM PENH — Cambodia's Lebanese head coach Harry Savaya had some parting words for his Philippine counterpart even after the two countries concluded their gold medal match that saw the Filipinos prevail to reclaim the throne in the 32nd SEA Games.

Savaya, who drew the ire of the Gilas Pilipinas bench during their group stage clash for a late timeout and taunting gestures, said he had things he could teach his Filipino counterpart, Chot Reyes, about coaching as the latter had some complaints about the conditions in the biennial meet.

According to Savaya, he only convened the Cambodian national team four days before the SEA Games and their results in the competition given the circumstances made him proud.

"Four days of preparation to come here and be second after beating the Philippines? I'm more than proud."

Unlike the Cambodians, the Filipinos had some struggles in the beginning of the tournament as Reyes complained about the conditions at the Morodok Elephant Hall, including heat and the playing court's flooring, that led to dehydration and cramps.

"He (Reyes) blamed the weather, he blamed everything, he blamed the players, I don't do that," Savaya said on Tuesday.

"I can teach him if he wants—about coaching in Europe, and everywhere, the places that he's never been."

But Savaya said he had plenty of respect for the Philippine national team, particularly to Justin Brownlee whom he said he knew as the latter played in Lebanon in the past.

"We all know the Philippines. At least eight of their players were in the World Cup qualifiers. They're gonna go to the World Cup. It's a big team. I respect them, I respect their fans, I respect everyone. They did a great job," he said.

"First game, we made our shots. It's basketball. If you score and play good defense then you win. Today, we couldn't make those same shots, and the Philippines scored them. It was fair game."

"And it was a good game, I respect them. Great job for them."

—JMB, GMA Integrated News