The outspoken mentor didn't hold back.
For extended minutes on Monday, Gilas Pilipinas played without natural big men against Jordan in the final game of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Justin Brownlee and Jamie Malonzo, who are both typically optimal at the small forward spot, moonlighted as center and power forward, respectively—and they more than held their own.
The hole that was left in the absence of Japeth Aguilar and Kai Sotto made it extra challenging for the national team in the sixth window of the tournament. Aguilar couldn’t suit up because of an MCL injury while Sotto begged off, presumably to concentrate on his new team in the Japan B.League.
When asked about Gilas Pilipinas’ possible naturalized player for the FIBA World Cup in August, coach Chot Reyes gave a stern reminder.
“There are no shoo-ins in the team. There’s no in with the lock. That goes for everyone, for all the local players and even the naturalized players,” said Reyes after their tough loss to Jordan, 91-90.
But the outspoken tactician also couldn’t help but touch on the absence of Sotto, in what could be seen as a stern warning.
“We’re not ruling out the possibility of even going out and looking for a 6-10, 6-11 guy with all the uncertainty surrounding the Kai Sotto situation. If he’s not gonna make himself available, I think we have to think about that as well,” added Reyes.
The six-time PBA Coach of the Year has always maintained that full commitment to Gilas Pilipinas is of utmost importance. Sotto, or any other player at that, doesn’t have a VIP pass.
“You can’t just come and show up and be on the team. It doesn’t matter who you are. You have to be able to be part of the preparation,” said Reyes.