QUEZON CITY—Gilas Pilipinas' win against China in their final FIBA World Cup home stand could not prevent a change of scenery from happening.
Head coach Chot Reyes hinted on Saturday night that he could be calling it a career as national team coach.
"I might have coached my last game already as Gilas Pilipinas coach," the 60-year-old tactician said after the win that sent Gilas to the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.
He added that it was a personal decision, but he admitted that he has yet to talk to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas about it.
"I haven't heard anything from the management," Reyes further said.
Reyes then said that following Gilas' subpar showing in the FIBA World Cup, in which they went 1-4, he arrived at the decision to "step aside" as he usually describes his resignation.
"Obviously, we did not perform, and like I said last game, I take accountability. Because of that, it's time for me to step aside. I hate using the word 'resign' because I'm not a quitter," Reyes further said.
He added, "I signed up to do the job, and we did not deliver the result. So I think it's time to step aside and allow the SBP to make a decision for the good of the team and the program."
Reyes then said that it is likely that a new coach will handle Gilas for its upcoming Asian Games campaign in Hangzhou, China later this month.
"I think it's time for somebody else. I think you are all clamoring for some names, so maybe it's time," he further said.
The only thing for sure about Gilas' Asian Games stint is that Justin Brownlee will take over Jordan Clarkson's spot as the naturalized player, but the core of Gilas' Final 12 might be retained.
The only question left is who is coaching the team.
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