Chot Reyes speaks about criticism and leaving Gilas: 'Masyado nang masakit'

Chot Reyes on Saturday night announced his intention to step aside as Gilas Pilipinas head coach following the team's 96-75 victory against China to cap off their 2023 FIBA World Cup run.

Reyes, who returned to the post in January 2022, said he arrived at the decision with his family, stressing that the ire he gets from the fans has become 'too heavy' to handle.

"I arrived with that decision with my family. I just think it’s time," Reyes told members of the Philippine media following the post-game interview.

"We fought all of those opponents, Italy, Dominican, Angola, but we fell short.  But France didn’t advance, Australia is not advancing, there’s so many powerful teams that are not advancing."

"Pero sa Pilipinas, bawal matalo eh. Dito sa atin, bawal matalo."

("But in the Philippines, you're not allowed to lose. Here, you're not allowed to lose.")

Reyes also opened up about the booing he received before games and the hate comments he has read online.

"It’s just too heavy, masyado nang masakit. Just to be very honest, bastos naman talaga ‘yung mga ibang pinagsasabi so I don't deserve it and my family doesn't deserve it."

("It's just too heavy, it's become too painful. Just to be very honest, some of what has been said is disrespectful, so I don't deserve it and my family doesn't deserve it.")

Earlier, Reyes already said that his future with the national team is in the hands of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

—JMB, GMA Integrated News