Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 2) — As Gilas Pilipinas celebrated its first FIBA World Cup win on Saturday, Chot Reyes announced that he is “stepping aside” as the team’s head coach.
The team capped off its World Cup campaign with a 1-4 win-loss slate, only nabbing a victory at their final match set up against China.“Like I said at the last game, I take full responsibility and because of that I think it is time for me to step aside,” Reyes said.“I hate using the word resign because I am not a quitter,” he pointed out. “I am not a quitter. I would just like to emphasize to everyone who is asking for that.
The veteran tactician earlier admitted he apologized to Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) chairman emeritus Manny Pangilinan after failing to book a spot in the next round of the group stage during their match against South Sudan.
Reyes faced severe backlash from many Filipino basketball fans – with a chorus of boos echoing at the Big Dome when his name was introduced.
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“It’s just been brutal, you know,” he admitted. “Nevermind on me, but on my family and on my loved ones. It’s just brutal.”“I will never turn my back to serving my country but there’s a point where I just have to think of my health and my family,” he added.
