After everything he went through as Gilas Pilipinas head coach, Chot Reyes got a vindication of sorts after TNT vanquished Ginebra for the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup title.
Chot Reyes had found himself at the center of online vitriol one too many times during his stint as Gilas Pilipinas head coach.
The ridicule intensified when the national team reinforced by NBA player Jordan Clarkson finished with a solitary win in the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila.
Reyes stepped down after that.
A year later, he got a vindication of sorts after leading TNT to its second straight PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup crown Friday night, Nov. 8.
“Everything happens for a reason. Like I said, I’m filled with gratitude,” said Reyes after the Tropang Giga's 95-85 title-clinching triumph over Ginebra at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
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While Filipino basketball fans from all walks of life mocked Reyes for his “learning experience” remarks after losses with Gilas, Reyes did not mind.
After all, the TNT chief tactician remains a “growth-minded individual,” even collecting 10 PBA titles and also garnering success with the national team program that saw him catapult Gilas to the 2014 FIBA World Cup after decades of absence.
(The night ends with a celebration for coach Chot Reyes and his TNT Tropang Giga. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports)
“I know a lot of people are talking about 'lesson learned, lesson learned.' But it’s really lesson learned. I’m a very growth-minded individual,” said Reyes.
“For me, all of the challenges and difficulties I went through in the past were opportunities for me to learn and grow. Like you said, after all of that, to be back here and win a championship with this group of guys is incredibly satisfying, both on a personal and a team level.”
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After absorbing jabs left and right, Reyes got his victory ride at the Big Dome where Gilas faltered a year ago.
And he is not done winning — and learning.
“If you’re asking me what my reflections are about this victory, it’s just really the gratitude I feel for everything that’s transpired, everything that’s happened, especially gratitude to the trust and the effort of my players. I guess that’s the best way to summarize how I feel right now,” Reyes said.