Chot Reyes takes himself out of Gilas coaching search

Chot Reyes

One less name to consider for the head coach opening. And it is the incumbent who has given his word.

Chot Reyes has officially withdrawn his name from consideration as the head coach for Gilas Pilipinas. The man who took the job in 2012 released a statement that reflects his decision to not pursue the position.

"I understand the Search Committee is scheduled to meet this week.  In this light, I humbly request that my name would not be considered by the Committee as a candidate for the national team coach of Smart Gilas Pilipinas.  This will allow the Committee to do its work unencumbered, take a broader view of other potential candidates to this national job, and enable the Gilas program to move on unfettered. Indeed, it is time for someone else take over the wheel; it is time for me to hand over that wheel. 

“May I say that I have dedicated the past two (2) years serving the National Team to the best of my ability.  I have personally derived great pride and much satisfaction for the strides the Gilas program has taken – with the collective effort of everyone involved in the effort.

“I would like to thank MVP, the SBP, PBA, TV5, the PLDT group, the Gilas supporters, and most especially my family for those two difficult but wonderful years I was given to serve my country and Philippine basketball. Despite the intense pressure that came with the job and the public scrutiny that goes with being the National Coach, this job has always been a unique privilege – I wouldn't trade it for anything else.  

“Salamat, Gilas.  Salamat, Pilipinas.

“Mabuhay tayong lahat. Laban Pilipinas! PUSO!"

The SBP is expected to have a meeting later today to determine the criteria and parameters for the head coaching position.

Statements from Chot Reyes and Chito Salud re: Gilas Pilipinas and the SBP

In line with the recent news involving the SBP, here are a couple of statements:

From Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes:

“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. 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.”

From PBA commissioner Chito Salud:

On Gilas:

The SBP is not dissolving or discontinuing the Gilas Program. It is a successful program that has the PBA's full support. The formation by the SBP of a Selection Committee to choose a Head Coach for the Gilas National Team, to create a pool of players from which the National Team can draw, and to synchronize the PBA calendar and the Gilas National Team training schedule is proof of a stronger collaborative effort on the part of the SBP and the PBA, its team owners and governors, as well as other stakeholders, to finetune the Gilas basketball program. The objective of the Selection Committee is clear: to consolidate the gains of the existing program and to chart a strategic course to improve current performance. This process will adopt a systematic, methodical and inclusive approach to ensure that Philippine basketball becomes more competitive internationally both in the short and long term.

On the PBA's relationship with the SBP:

The PBA is keen to continue supporting the SBP and its worthy objective of consolidating and improving on the gains the Gilas program has achieved in recent years. The creation of a selection committee will help harness and broaden the support and resources available for SBP within the PBA community and beyond.
We are excited about the creation of this selection committee. It gives key stakeholders a channel to participate in a dynamic manner in the achievement of our goals.

Chot Reyes on Larry Fonacier's withdrawal

"It is with deep sadness that we have to accept Larry Fonacier's request to beg off from the Gilas pool for the meantime.

Unknown to many, Larry has been playing through a variety of foot and back injuries that have bothered him the past 2 years; and it is only his great dedication that has prevented him from taking any time off. However, the rigors of playing almost non-stop in the PBA and national team for the past 3 years has taken its toll, leaving Larry with no recourse but to accede to his doctors orders for complete rest & rehabilitation.

We will definitely miss Larry's quiet leadership and unyielding heart."

The TNT swingman averaged 5.3 pts, 1.7 rebs and 1.2 assists at the FIBA-Asia Men's Championships last year, highlighted by his 21-point outburst against Chinese-Taipei.