Sporting Chance

Chot Reyes calls it the biggest challenge of his coaching career and he's excited to bring back the glory days of the RFM franchise in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Since breaking into the pro ranks in 1990, the Concepcion club has bagged four PBA titles - its last coming in the 1995 Commissioner's Cup. A winning attitude is what Reyes hopes to restore at Pop Cola as he makes his debut on the 800s bench this season.

Reyes realizes he wasn't Pop Cola's first choice - Louie Alas was - to replace coach Norman Black who has moved to Sta. Lucia Realty. When Alas decided to stick to the Manila Metrostars in the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA), the job was offered to Reyes.

"When Louie begged off, I got a call from (team manager) Mr. (Elmer) Yanga last Dec. 29," relates Reyes. "Then, I was called to a morning meeting with Mr. (Joey) Concepcion last Jan. 3. It was a fruitful meeting. We talked about team directions and philosophies and we were on the same page. Mr. Concepcion told me his priority isn't a championship but getting the team to play competitively and consistently game after game. Our immediate goal is to qualify for the semis on a regular basis then we'll go from there."

Reyes says the Pop Cola challenge is different from what he faced in previous coaching stints at Purefoods and Sta. Lucia. "At Purefoods, I walked into a winning situation," he explains. "The team was already up there. My role was to take the team to the next level. At Sta. Lucia, I tried to introduce changes. Now, at Pop Cola, I'm bringing in a new system. I'm hoping to rebuild our confidence level. We want to start a game feeling confident of winning, not feeling we're up for another loss."

Reyes has brought in Biboy Ravanes, Binky Favis and brother Mike to join him on the Pop Cola staff. Aric del Rosario, earlier inked as an assistant coach, asked to be excused this year.

"Before I signed up, I spoke to Aric," says Reyes. "As you know, I respect Aric highly. We've worked together before and I looked forward to working together with him again. But after I signed up, he told me he'll take a rest so he can concentrate on UST. He also told me to go ahead and assemble my staff."

Reyes says he's lucky to be backed up by three former pro head coaches. Ravanes played in the PBA and coached in the MBA. Favis also coached in the MBA and led Letran to the NCAA crown this year. His brother Mike, another ex-MBA coach, will be responsible for video work and scouting. Last weekend, the coaching staff spent a night mapping out plans and bonding in Tagaytay.

Reyes is optimistic that Pop Cola will bounce back this campaign. "We're ready - we've got the workhorses to get the job done," he says. "We lost Mar (Morelos) to Red Bull in the expansion draft but we got Marc (Steven Victoria) in the draft and signed up Wynne (Arboleda) from the MBA. Marc has the potential to become the next Vic Pablo - a big man with a perimeter shot. We're bringing back 10 veterans - so our nucleus is intact."

Reyes says he's had encouraging talks with Nelson Asaytono and expects a breakout season from The Bull. "I told Nelson this is his team - it's up to him to lead the way," he continues. "I asked him to work hard at practice. So far, so good. He comes early to practice. And the other night, he phoned me at home just to exchange ideas about the team."

Reyes is similarly upbeat on the other 800s. "Ali (Peek) flew in from the US yesterday," he says. "His left knee is fine - he underwent therapy to build it up. The knee was badly bruised. Last month, he had an operation to remove his appendix - that was no problem. As for Zaldy (Realubit), some teams asked if he's available for a trade. Not a chance. Noli (Locsin) is back and he'll be a force as usual. I'm looking forward to a good year from Jon (Ordonio) who deserves a second chance. He went to the US for a short visit then came back before the turn of the year. My biggest surprise is William (Antonio) who's been impressive at practice. Then we've got guys like Brix (Encarnacion), Roel (Buenaventura), Jasper (Ocampo), and Henry (Fernandez). I think our lineup is in good shape."

No wonder Reyes can't wait for the season to start.