RELATED: Clarkson shines in Gilas drubbing of Saudi Arabia at home
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 30) — Jordan Clarkson and Dwight Ramos on Monday came to the defense of Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes who received jeers from the home crowd during the national team’s game against Saudi Arabia.
Displeased fans at the packed Mall of Asia Arena booed Reyes from the pre-game and all throughout the match as Gilas campaigned in the fourth window of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian qualifier.
After Gilas’ 84-46 blowout win, Clarkson passionately took the side of the veteran mentor who has been under fire for the team’s lackluster performance at the international level.
“For somebody to get rocks thrown at them for putting all this together and bringing me and Kai (Sotto) and bringing his vision, coming back to the game is b******t,” he said. “So I think we should all support him and support what he got going on because in the next World Cup, whatever we got, we gotta have each other’s back,” the Filipino-American NBA player said.
Ramos said the Filipino crowd’s sour reaction to Reyes was not a good way to start the game, asking the fans to support Gilas as one team, including their coaches.
“Thank you for coming out and supporting, but if you’re gonna support us, I’ll appreciate you guys not booing our coach. We’re all together as one and I really didn’t appreciate that,” he said in a chance interview.
Reyes also addressed what he called his “haters.”
“I’m sure you know how many haters I have. I know that there are also supporters — maybe not as vocal, maybe not as noisy — but as long as I can inspire one or two individuals then it’s all worth it,” he said.
“Murahin niyo na ako, bash niyo na ako ng todo, basta suportahan niyo ‘yung team,” he added.
[Translation: Bash and curse me all you want as long as you support the team.]
Reyes apologized for the disappointing finishes of Gilas Pilipinas in the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup and 31st Southeast Asian Games.
CNN Philippines correspondent Pauline Verzosa contributed to this report.
