Former PBA players share thoughts on Gilas' campaign in FIBA World Cup

PENNSYLVANIA - Former PBA players recently gathered at a major sports event organized by the Northern America Basketball Association (NABA) for the Filipino community in Northern America and Canada.

During the event, they expressed their support for Chot Reyes, the former coach of Gilas Pilipinas, and discussed the challenges faced by the team in the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Marc Steven Victoria, who once played for Reyes at Pop Cola in the PBA, was one of those who shared his thoughts on the matter. He believes there were some problems with preparation and roster construction, but also recognized Reyes for his achievements in his decorated coaching career.

“Well, Coach Chot, he was my coach during my rookie year in the PBA. I played for Pop under his team so Coach Chot, I mean, marami na siyang na prove eh. Ang naging problema lang, I think, nagkulang sa preparation so talagang yun ang number one," Victoria said.

"Si JC dumating medyo late na. Hindi siya nakasama sa China. You know it's a big factor for them na maka-gel nila yung mga bagong team. And then one more thing is lack of point guard wala tayong natural na point guard. Jordan Clarkson he's an NBA player, anything bigay mo lang yung bola sa kanya gagawin niya everything," he added.

"Kay Chot, I heard he already stepped down as a head coach, so I'm very happy for this career. Actually, marami na siyang nabigay sa bansa natin sa larangan ng basketball and then marami na rin siya napatunayan. But this time, I think it was a good decision for him to step down and better to give it another change to ever deserve it "

Rhoel Gomez, a former Alaska point guard, stressed the need for a well-structured program for the players who will represent the Philippines in the next FIBA World Cup. He acknowledged the challenges faced by Reyes and the team but recognized Reyes as a great coach. He also highlighted the importance of accepting the harsh realities of competition while keeping the Philippines in mind.

William Marasigan and Alex Crisano of Ginebra also expressed their support for Reyes, believing that the Philippines had a strong roster but just fell short during the tournament. They praised Reyes as an experienced coach who had performed admirably.

“He's a coach who knows how to handle things professionally. He's been in this profession for years, and he excels at what he does, regardless of what people may say. Representing the country is not an easy task, you know. It's all about 'puso' (heart). In my book, he's a great coach, and he'll keep doing what he does because that's who he is," Crisano said when interviewed.

Lenny Reyes, another former PBA player, called on the public to stop criticizing Coach Chot and instead support Team Pilipinas, expressing sadness at Reyes's decision to step down due to the pressure he faced.

He shared his personal experience playing under the coach in 1996 and stressed the need to continue strengthening and helping the Philippines.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News