The FIBA World Cup, which the Philippines is hosting, is still ongoing.
It may not be a surprise to fans—given all the sharp criticisms hurled—when Chot Reyes said that he is stepping down as coach of Gilas Pilipinas.
It is without question, however, that having no head coach for the men’s national basketball team is a concern for the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP). After all, the Asian Games is set to commence on the 23rd of September or in just less than three weeks.
This is why SBP president Al Panlilio is getting the ball rolling on their plans for the regional tournament.
“On Asian games, we do have a meeting either today or tomorrow,” Panlilio told News5 in a chance interview on Monday.
The SBP exec is aware that some members of Gilas’ FIBA World Cup squad won’t be able to suit up for the Asian Games.
Jordan Clarkson is set to return to the Utah Jazz for the upcoming NBA season that starts in October. Japan B.League Asian imports Kiefer Ravena, Dwight Ramos, Kai Sotto, and AJ Edu are also expected to report to their pro clubs. The same is anticipated for KBL import Rhenz Abando.
“I know not all players in the World Cup are available due to previous commitments so we’ll hopefully fix that in the next few days,” said Panlilio.
When asked if SBP has accepted Reyes’ decision to step down, Panlilio declined to comment and shifted the focus to the FIBA World Cup, which the Philippines is hosting. Eight teams remain in FIBA’s flagship event, all vying for the gold medal. The quarterfinals start tomorrow, Tuesday, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“We wanted to first complete the World Cup. I think the focus should be on the World Cup," Panlilio explained. "We still have this week to run the most important phase of the tournament, the final phase.”
Who could replace Coach Chot? It certainly won’t be Gilas assistant and PBA’s winningest coach Tim Cone, who has already made his stance known on the matter. “If Coach Chot goes, I go,” Cone said.
Fans will now have to stay tuned on what happens in SBP’s upcoming meeting.
(With reports from Martie Bautista, News5)