Chot Reyes on his future with Gilas: That's in the hands of the federation

Questions about Chot Reyes' future with Gilas Pilipinas were raised as the national team continued to struggle in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, going blank in four games so far to move on the cusp of another winless run.

But Reyes said he was leaving the decision to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

"With regards to my future, that really is in the hands of the federation," Reyes said on the heels of an 87-68 loss to South Sudan in the classification phase on Thursday.

"But for me, you all know that I've already retired and left this job several times but when I was asked to come back, I could not turn my back to the call of service for the flag and country."

Reyes handled the team back in 2014, when the Filipinos made their way to the World Cup in Spain. But months after that run, which saw Gilas win one game against Senegal, Reyes stepped down from his post.

He then returned to the national team in 2016 through 2018, where he called the shots in the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup and the 2019 FIBA World Cup Qualifications. In September 2018, Reyes again bid goodbye to Gilas.

Four years later, Reyes was reinstated as Gilas Pilipinas coach to replace Tab Baldwin.

"As to what the future holds, it's up to the federation," he added.

"They know my feelings, we're in constant communication and that's why I cannot answer your second question on what is the future for this Gilas team. What we have right now is only what's in front of us and like I said, apart from me, the future of these guys...I think there's a core here that has a bright future ahead."

—JMB, GMA Integrated News