Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes pleaded for patience and support amid the backlash from the string of dismal showings in their recent stints in international tournaments.
Reyes said the entire program is still trying to navigate through the transition period as it started from scratch anew following the departure of former head coach and director Tab Baldwin in February.
He also thanked Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio for publicly expressing support to him and the rest of Gilas coaching staff although he refused to comment regarding the SBP chief’s claim that the current Gilas predicament was triggered by Baldwin’s departure.
“I don't wish to comment on that. I never said anything against anyone. It's not my style. I would rather not comment on it except to say that we are doing our best,” Reyes told reporters after TNT’s 116-95 quarterfinals victory over Converge on Wednesday.
“I am in the fifth month of the program and we are in a transition and in anything, if things are going well, if there's transition, there's a change, you expect things to get worse first before it gets better. Ganun naman talaga lahat sa trabaho, sa buhay, sa basketball, sa sports that's why I'm asking for everyone's continued support and patience,” he added.
Reyes also took full responsibility for the recent Gilas struggles including the ninth place finish in the FIBA Asia Cup 2022 – its worst finish in the tournament in 13 years.
“I've taken full responsibility and accountability for everything that's happening so far. I think that's all I can say about it,” said the embattled mentor who has faced numerous calls for him to step down from his post.
Reyes admitted that he actually tendered his resignation after the Southeast Asian Games debacle in Hanoi but was apparently rejected by the federation.
“I did (file resignation). Sa lahat ng sumusulat sa akin, nag-eemail na magresign ka na and all that, hindi ako sumasagot but fortunately nagsalita na si President Al. That's the reason, that's my reply, nagresign naman ako eh, hindi nila tinanggap,” he said.
“It's very difficult, difficult for my family but somebody has to do the job and I've always said before that I will never turn my back on my duty to the flag and country. I don't know what else to say except that be patient, we are in a transition,” he furthered.
“That's where we are right now. We are in a period of transition. We're trying to win. We hope we could have won more than what we have lost but we're making with the card dealt to us.”