Chot Reyes appeals to Gilas fans: ‘You can bash me all you want, just support the players’

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes is prepared to take all the heat from his critics as long as the rest of the team is spared.

Reyes, who was booed by the SM MOA Arena crowd during the national team’s home game against Saudi Arabia last Monday, said that he welcomes the heckling but hopes that the players don’t receive any of it.

“For me, I’d rather get booed by the crowd than the players get booed. Boo-hin ninyo na ako ng todo, huwag niyo lang boo-hin yung mga players. Suportahan ninyo lang yung mga players. That is fine with me,” said the concurrent TNT mentor shortly after Gilas’ 38-point demolition of the visitors.

“Murahin ninyo na ako, i-bash ninyo na ako nang todo. Basta suportahan ninyo yung team, suportahan ninyo yung players,” he added.

The 6-time PBA Coach of the Year reiterated that he had no ulterior motive when accepted the offer of Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP) to assume his old post after Tab Baldwin suddenly stepped down.

He claimed that he submitted his resignation after the national team failed to defend the gold medal in the 31st Southeast Asian Games but the federation rejected it.

“The only reason I’m doing this is for the country. This is just my service for flag and country,” he said.

“I’m sure you know how many haters I have. I know that there are also supporters – maybe not as vocal, maybe not as noisy. But as long as I can inspire one or two individuals, then it is all good.”