Chot Reyes issues statement on Gilas future

MANILA, Philippines – A few hours after it was revealed that he was relieved his duties as the national team’s head coach, 5-time PBA Coach of the Year Chot Reyes issued a statement regarding his future with the Gilas program.

Reyes dispelled reports that Gilas had been disbanded, clarifying that it would move forward under the guidance of a selection committee chosen by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

(RELATED: Chot Reyes is out as national team coach as Gilas is reevaluated by SBP)

Reyes also said he supports whatever direction the Gilas program will head in – even with regards to his own future. 

“I have been assured by both SBP President Manny V. Pangilinan and SBP Executive Director Sonny Barrios that the Gilas Pilipinas program has not been disbanded, and will continue under a regime of broader consultation with the basketball community, which I support,” said Reyes.

“As to whether I will continue to be the Gilas coach or not depends on the SBP Board under whose mandate I have served since being appointed as Head Coach since 2012.”

(RELATED: Gilas program ‘under review,’ door still open for Chot – team manager)

Reyes took over for Gilas in 2012, leading the team to success by helping them win the Jones Cup. In the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship, Reyes and the national team won the silver medal to earn a slot to the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain.

In the World Cup, Gilas finished 1-4 but challenged some of the top-ranked squads in the tournament. However, the team underperformed in the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, finishing a disappointing 7th place. 

– Rappler.com