Chot Reyes steps down as Gilas Pilipinas coach after FIBA World Cup disappointment

Chot Reyes announced his departure as the head coach of Gilas Pilipinas following the conclusion of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

“I’m stepping aside (as head coach). I (might have coached my last game already as Gilas Pilipinas coach,” said Reyes in the press conference that followed the team’s 96-75 win over China on Saturday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The tournament proved to be a challenging one for the national team, as they faced setbacks in the group stage and suffered a defeat to South Sudan before securing a victory against China.

Reyes’ tenure as the national coach came to a close after his fourth stint, which included notable achievements such as the runner-up finish at the 2013 FIBA Asia Cup.

However, criticism mounted after a rare loss in a SEA Games match in 2019, leading to a tumultuous buildup to the World Cup where Reyes faced backlash in social media and the press, labeling himself as the “most hated man” in Philippine basketball.

Despite the challenges, Reyes concluded his time with Gilas on a positive note with the victory over China, reminiscent of the thrilling overtime win against Senegal in the 2014 World Cup.

Feeling that he did not meet expectations in the recent World Cup, Reyes made the decision to pass on the reins to another individual.

“We didn’t perform and like I said the last game, I take full accountability and because of that, I think it’s time for me to step aside,” he said.

It’s important to note that Reyes emphasized that he was not resigning but rather stepping aside to allow for a fresh perspective for Gilas Pilipinas.

“I hate to use the word resign because I’m not a quitter,” he said. “I am not a quitter.”