Chot Reyes sees better finish for Gilas PH in FIBA Asia Championship

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Chot Reyes sees better finish for Gilas PH in FIBA Asia Championship

When the FIBA Asia Championship tips off on Thursday, Chot Reyes will become the first coach to lead a PBA-backed national team in a major tournament for a second time since the pro league started lending its players in 1990.

Former coaches Robert Jaworski, Norman Black, Tim Cone, Jong Uichico, and Yeng Guiao called the shots for the national team in one tournament apiece.

In Reyes’ first tour of duty in the FIBA Asia Championship, the squad stumbled to a ninth-place finish in 2007.

But with better circumstances and homecourt advantage, Reyes believes that Gilas Pilipinas will easily top that finish, which would allow him to put that memory to rest.

“This one is easier compared to Japan in 2007,” Reyes said during the press conference of the FIBA Asia Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena. “Before, we were bracketed with Iran and China so it was really, really tough for us.”

The tournament has since changed its format, giving the Philippines a better shot at advancing.

“Realistically, we have a good chance of making it to the semis,” said Reyes, whose team is bracketed with Saudi Arabia, Chinese Taipei and Jordan in Group A.

The coach sees similarities between his old team and the current squad in terms of playing style, but he believes the current team has the edge.

“That team were built around players with quickness and good shooting, but while we have guys like Danny Seigle, Mark Caguioa and Jimmy Alapag, we still don’t have a Marcus Douthit,” said Reyes.

Despite his edge, Reyes doesn’t want the team to be complacent.

“The beauty of the FIBA Asia format is its unpredictability. Anybody can beat anybody,” he said.