Returning Gilas coach Chot Reyes to pick up where Tab Baldwin left, SBP assures

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) stressed that continuity will remain in Gilas Pilipinas program even after the exit of Tab Baldwin, who was replaced by former national team mentor Chot Reyes.

SBP executive director Butch Antonio admitted that the federation has yet to plot its next moves with less than a month left before the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers starting on February 24 given the recent developments.

But Antonio assured that Reyes will only pick up where Baldwin left and said the main goal is still the 2023 FIBA World Cup, which the Philippines will co-host alongside Japan and Indonesia. 

SBP on Monday announced that the American-Kiwi tactician had stepped down to shift his focus to preparing the Ateneo men's basketball team in the UAAP.

"We have to give ourselves a few more days. We just got to get all these things doing maybe just yesterday. We're still in the process of putting things together in the light of coach Chot's taking over from coach Tab," Antonio told GMA News Online in an interview.

"It sounds gray but that's what it is. We're still fixing things. We have the February window coming so that is priority but at the same time, we also have to start thinking of plans moving forward with the end game in mind which is the 2023 World Cup."

The Philippines is already assured of a slot in the World Cup due to the hosting rights but Antonio said they won't take the qualifying tournaments lightly as it will help them build leading to the world conclave.

"Not really," answered Antonio when asked whether the Gilas Pilipinas is back to zero after Baldwin's exit.

"Because Chot is picking up where coach Tab left. And of course, there will be little tweaks here and there.The tweaks and tricks, that's what we're still trying to work on."

Gilas Pilipinas will play at home soil in the qualifiers as Group A games will be hosted by the Philippines from February 24 to 28 at the Araneta Coliseum. The Filipinos will battle New Zealand, India, and rival South Korea.

"Nothing concrete yet. The truth is, coach Chot just got on board." — LA, GMA News