Chot Reyes returns as TNT head coach

Chot Reyes returns to TNT. Kennelf Monteza (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Chot Reyes is back as TNT head coach.

The team confirmed on Saturday that Reyes will have a third tour of duty as its chief tactician, replacing Jojo Lastimosa.

Lastimosa, though, keeps his old position as team manager, and in fact, he was even given a contract extension for the said post.

Reyes returned to the Tropang Giga in 2021 and quickly gave them the Philippine Cup championship inside a bubble in Bacolor, Pampanga.

After the 2023 Commissioner's Cup, though, Reyes relinquished his role to Lastimosa to focus on his full-time coaching as Gilas Pilipinas head coach ahead of the FIBA World Cup, although Reyes was given the role of "senior consultant".

Lastimosa led TNT to the Governors' Cup championship last year, but he had to deal with an injury-laden lineup in this year's Commissioner's Cup.

The Tropang Giga barely made the quarterfinals right on the final day of the elimination round, but the Magnolia Hotshots ousted them on Wednesday in the quarterfinals.

PBA-wise, the coaching change will take place in the Philippine Cup, which will tentatively start on March 5.

However, Reyes could take over Lastimosa and even his son Josh as early as Wednesday night in the EASL when TNT welcomes Anyang in their last home stand at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

A blowout win could solidify the Tropang Giga's hopes of making the semifinals.

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