Two reasons why Reyes thinks the 2023 version is better than the 2021 lineup.
The Gilas Pilipinas lineup for the 32nd SEA Games in Cambodia has been dubbed as the Redeem Team. For coach Chot Reyes, this squad has also been a marked redemption compared to the 2021 roster in Vietnam.
Speaking to Radyo5's Power & Play on Saturday, Reyes answered Noli Eala on how he sized up the 2023 edition of Gilas Pilipinas compared to the group fielded in Vietnam.
"Taking a look at the opposition, at how they built up not only their preparation and their practices, I think that we are going to face really tougher opposition this time," he said.
"But I think that we are also bringing a better team this time," Reyes added. "Ika nga, bakbakan na, laban-laban na tayo."
He has repeatedly emphasized the significance of tune-up games and team building as keys to a successful campaign, noting his preparation for the 2014 FIBA World Cup. For the 2023 edition of the SEA Games, Reyes was able to get some for his squad during the closed training camp in Laguna.
"I thought it was very fruitful. Iba if you just eat, sleep, breathe, and play basketball," Reyes told Eala.
"I thought that was very important for the players to get to know each other, magka-amuyan before getting into basketball."
Gilas Pilipinas was even able to get into two back-to-back tune-up games in Laguna, both against defense-oriented squads.
One against the Ateneo Blue Eagles. Reyes had reconnected with the UAAP tactician Tab Baldwin during a golf tournament last month. The former program director for the national basketball team was also present during the draw for the FIBA World Cup.
The second tune-up game was against the Magnolia Hotshots, which was borne out of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas' partnership with the San Miguel Corporation.
Reyes expressed his gratitude for the two squads who took the time to make the trip.
"When you play opposition that's tough—Ateneo and Magnolia are both very well known for their ability to defend—it gave us a lot of insights on what else to work on in the next couple of days," he said.
Reyes shared how in the 2021 SEA Games, they lost four key players days before the meet. Robert Bolick Jr. had to leave for the United States, Kevin Alas had to drop out due to family concerns, while Japeth Aguilar and Poy Erram suffered injuries. Meanwhile, Matthew Wright and the players in the Japan B.League were only able to practice just a few days before the 2021 SEA Games.
Reyes also reflected that there were also questions regarding the brain trust of the squad.
"We were in a state of flux regarding the coaching staff. We were figuring out if si Nenad [Vucinic] ang magco-coach o ako ba," he said.
"So I think now we have a little bit more stability."
Gilas Pilipinas is essentially down to 15 members, all those who were able to make it for the Laguna trip.
These are San Miguel Beermen's CJay Perez, Marcio Lassiter, and Chris Ross; Barangay Ginebra San Miguel's Justin Brownlee, Christian Standhardinger, and Jeremiah Gray; TNT Tropang Giga's Calvin Oftana; NorthPort Batang Pier's Arvin Tolentino; Meralco Bolts' Chris Newsome and Aaron Black; and NLEX Road Warriors' Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser from the PBA.
Also in the contingent heading to Cambodia are De La Salle Green Archers' Ben and Mike Phillips; Ateneo's Mason Amos; and Adamson Soaring Falcons' Jerom Lastimosa.
The coaching staff will just have to decide on the final 12 for the games.
Gilas Pilipinas will first see action on May 9 against Malaysia in Group B.