The Gilas Pilipinas Redeem Team will battle in Cambodia with nothing less but the gold medal in mind.
Chot Reyes has received countless of blunders in his tenure as coach of Gilas Pilipinas.
Jokes about “learning experience” have hounded the veteran tactician in every Gilas loss, or even in wins, mocking his previous remark. But Reyes has remained unaffected and laser-focused with the task at hand. And that goal is to reclaim the Southeast Asian [SEA] Games gold.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has earlier said it’s gold or nothing for Gilas Pilipinas in the 32nd SEA Games. Just imagine the vitriol and animosity from the Filipino hoops nation if the national team fails to reclaim the top spot (there will be riots!).
On the sports program Power & Play, former PBA commissioner Noli Eala asked Reyes if he’s concerned about the competition heading into the biennial meet. Coach Chot’s responded with confidence.
“I’m a very optimistic coach. For me every time I go to battle, it’s really to win, win it all,” Reyes said.
Coach Chot still admitted that he’s concerned to an extent about their opponents. But he firmly still believes Gilas Pilipinas is the better squad.
“Like I said, taking a look at the opposition, not only their lineups but their preparations and practices, I think that we are really facing tougher oppositions this time, but I think that we are a better team as well this time.”