Chot Reyes apologizes after Gilas Pilipinas loss, addresses his future / News - Basketnews.com

Reyes took full responsibility for poor Gilas Pilipinas results and said that his future as the head coach is in the hands of the federation.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Gilas Pilipinas lost all their chances to directly qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games after losing to South Sudan in the 2023 FIBA World Cup on Thursday. After the match, the Gilas head coach, Chot Reyes, addressed both the game and his future on the team.

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Talking about the match, Reyes didn't go into much detail.

"I don't think anything much needs to be said. I thought we played our worst game when it counted the most. The early burst by South Sudan... A tremendous fightback by the guys, but we spent too much energy trying to claw back and didn't have enough to finish it," he said during the press conference. "It's unfortunate that it was the time for us to shoot below 40% from the field. I guess that's the story."

With the results of Gilas Pilipinas not being up to par, Reyes has been facing tremendous pressure both from the local media and the fans recently. Asked whether he would like to apologize for the end result, Reyes agreed.

"I've said it numerous times - I'm really sorry that we were not able to deliver. I take full accountability. I take full responsibility."

The coach was not surprised Japan won. With their win, the only hope for the Philippines to qualify for the Paris Olympics is through a Qualifying Tournament next year. They haven't advanced to it either.

"As difficult and as disappointing the campaign so far, I'm still proud of the effort. The guys put themselves on the line, fought their best, and unfortunately, things didn't go our way. The only thing we can do is focus on the next game," he said.

Reyes was booed multiple times throughout the World Cup by the local crowd. Stemming from the sudden change in coaching, he's disliked by a significant portion of the Filipino fans.

Reyes said that his future as the head coach of Gilas Pilipinas is now in the hands of the Philippine Basketball Federation (SBP).

"With regard to my personal future, it's in the hands of the federation," Reyes told the media. "For myself, you already know that I have retired and left this job several times. When I was asked to come back, I could turn my back to the call for service to the country and the flag."

"For what my future holds, it's up to the federation. They know my feelings, we're in constant communication. That's why I can't answer what the future for Gilas Pilipinas is," he concluded.

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