Mc Richard Paglicawan
Chot Reyes, the former coach of Gilas Pilipinas, revealed that one of the primary factors behind his decision to step aside as the Philippine National Basketball Team’s strategist was the relentless criticism he faced from netizens.
He expressed his concern about his family becoming targets of online attacks.
In an interview, Reyes acknowledged the harshness of the criticism directed at him, stating, “It’s just been brutal. You all know, you’re part of it right? It’s just been brutal. Never mind on me, but on my family and my loved ones. It’s just brutal. I will never turn my back to serving my country, but there is a point where I just need to think about my health and my family’s health as well.”
“After a while, it was just too heavy. It has been too painful, too heavy. Just to be very honest, bastos naman talaga ‘yung ibang pinagsasabi. I don’t deserve it, my family doesn’t deserve it,” he added.
Reyes faced booing from spectators during Gilas games at the FIBA World Cup. Since he is now retired from coaching, he has more time to address his critics.
“I would just ask all of my detractors and bashers, I’m willing to answer every single one of their comments as long as they talk to me face to face. Just don’t hide behind whatever on social media, come and talk to me face to face and I will answer all your points one by one, on why certain decisions were made and why it is what it is,” he stated.
Chot Reyes is a well-known Filipino basketball coach who led the Philippine national basketball team to notable achievements, including a historic silver medal finish at the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship and the team’s appearance at the 2014 FIBA World Cup.
