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| The SBP will only decide on Chot Reyes' fate after the FIBA World Cup. Kennelf Monteza (file photo) |
PASAY--The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas will wait for the FIBA World Cup to end before it can begin talking about the future of coach Chot Reyes.
SBP president Al Panlilio said on Monday that there have been no talks currently about its plans for Gilas Pilipinas following Reyes' decision on Saturday night to "step aside" from being the head coach.
"We want to first complete the World Cup. We have been focusing on the World Cup," Panlilio said in an interview with News 5's Martie Bautista.
Being the main host of the first-ever multi-nation hosting of the FIBA World Cup, the SBP wants to first concentrate on the tournament's knockout stages, which begin on Tuesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena here.
"We have this week to run the most important phase of the tournament, which is the Final Phase," Panlilio further said. "That's the main focus first for us: finish that first."
Time, however, could be running out on the SBP to find a new coach for Gilas if they accept Reyes' resignation as the Asian Games is coming up on Sept. 23, just 19 days away.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said during the launch of the FIBA World Cup Final ball at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall here that he wants to talk with the SBP either later Monday or Tuesday to discuss Gilas' Asian Games team.
But with the head coaching position vacant as it stands, Gilas is facing two dilemmas in the lead-up to the Asian Games.
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