MANILA, Philippines - Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Manny V. Pangilinan lauded Chot Reyes’ two-year stint with the National team and expressed regret over the coach’s decision to withdraw from the list of candidates for the new Gilas mentor.
“I thank and commend him for making what must have been a most difficult but courageous decision-giving up a task and a privilege I know he truly cherishes, as I imagine any coach would,” said Pangilinan on an interaksyon.com report.
Pangilinan hopes history will be kind to Reyes as opposed to harsh criticisms sparked by Gilas Pilipinas’ poor showing in the Incheon Asiad.
“It is my hope, however, that time and distance will judge the Gilas events, and his performance, in the last two years with a slightly more moderate and compassionate view than that offered by some present-day commentators,” said Pangilinan.
“This leads me to recall what a sovereign once said - ‘He who has never failed to reach perfection has a right to be the hardest critic,’” Pangilinan also said.
The businessman/sportsman wished Reyes well in the future.
“Thank you, Chot, from all of us at SBP and the MVP Group of Companies for accepting the changes and chances of this mortal life. Hail and Farewell. We wish you well in your future endeavors,” Pangilinan said.
Gilas has had great rides under Reyes, including its championship run in the 2012 Jones Cup, two semifinal finishes in the FIBA Asia Cup and its silver-medal finish in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship that gave the country a return stint in the 2014 FIBA World Cup.