EMBATTLED national coach Chot Reyes can no longer roll with the punches.
He “stepped aside” at the helm of Gilas Pilipinas before it clashed with China at the end of its Group M campaign in the classification round of the 19th FIBA World Cup last Saturday night.
“I really don’t know. I don’t know if I’m still gonna be here for that (Asian Games and Olympic qualifying tournament). I might have coached my last game already as Gilas Pilipinas coach,” Reyes said. “No, I haven’t heard anything from management. It is my decision.
“Like everybody knows, I didn’t apply for his job, I didn’t volunteer. I was given this mandate. I had already retired from coaching the national team,” he added.
Reyes, 59, said the criticisms he is getting from fans have taken their toll.
“It’s just too heavy, masyado ng masakit. Just to be very honest, bastos naman talaga iyong mga ibang pinagsasabi,” Reyes said.
“I don’t deserve it and my family doesn’t deserve it.”
It’s high time for the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to tap a new tactician for the nationals, according to Reyes.
The SBP has yet to announce whether it will accept Reyes’ decision, or if he would be replaced after the Asian Games that is only 19 days from now.
“I take full accountability (World Cup failure), and because of that I think it’s time for me to step aside. I signed up to do a job, and I did not deliver the result,” Reyes said.
“I think it’s time to step aside and allow the SBP to make a decision for the good of the team and program.”
The jeers that Reyes got in his stint with the Philippine five also affected his charges.
“What people don’t realize, the booing before the games–it’s okay with me, but they don’t realize the effect on the players. They get demoralized as well. They wonder why Pinoys are like that and all of the calls for me to resign, they read all of that,” Reyes said.
“They’re also affected. It affects the game, the way we play games. It’s a distraction for the team. It’s not good for the team. They don’t deserve it.”
The Filipino dribblers made short work of the Team Dragon 96-75 to wind up with a 1-4 slate overall in the World Cup.
Reyes said he is willing to answer all comments of his naysayers and unbelievers but only in a face-to-face setting.
“I will just ask all of my detractors and bashers, I’m willing to answer every single one of their comments as long as they talk to me face-to-face,” he said.
“Don’t hide behind anonymity or whatever on social media. Come and talk to me face-to-face and I will answer all your points one by one.”
