Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes talks to Chris Newsome and Jordan Clarkson during their match against Saudi Arabia in the Fiba World Cup Asia Qualifiers at the Mall of Asia Arena. Fiba’s photo
MANILA, Philippines—Acknowledging how difficult it was for both the national cage program and the head coach of the national cage program, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio said that Chot’s juggling act Reyes with TNT and Gilas Pilipinas needs to be revisited.
“That’s something we need to deal with, I think. It’s not fair to him, the national team and even TNT,” he told reporters on Tuesday, shortly after the launch of the Volunteer Program for the 2023 Fiba World Cup.
“I’m the president of that company, so I think that’s something that I think we should address with TNT governor and (Philippine Basketball Association) president Ricky Vargas,” said Panlilio, the company’s head. telecom giant PLDT, added.
“We will also be consulting with (chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan) on how to move forward,” Panlilio continued.
Reyes has carried out TNT and national team duties since February when he was reappointed to Gilas’ saddle following Tab Baldwin’s departure.
Before that, Reyes only focused on the Tropang Giga series after returning after a 9-year sabbatical. He has managed to return the club to PBA glory after winning his first title in six years at the 2021 Philippine Cup in Bacolor, Pampanga.
Reyes has handled the Gilas show full-time a total of three times during her career. The first time was in 2005 and the second in 2012, the result was a World Cup and a landmark first win—over Senegal in extra time—in the global tournament.
The third stint hasn’t gone very well for Reyes, with Gilas facing a campaign of ups and downs marred by manpower difficulties and a failed title defense in the Southeast Games. Asia in Vietnam.
“It’s a packed calendar next year, and in your opinion—even outside of the World Cup, [we have] Asian Games,” said Panlilio. “So technically, Chot will be at the top for the whole year—and that’s just for the national program.”
“I think we will have to decide how to handle the TNT situation. At least for the time being, right?” he added.
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