Baldwin stays as consultant.
With a successful three-year program that saw Gilas Pilipinas clinch a berth in the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has opted to bring coach Chot Reyes back as mentor of the national team.
The decision came after a special meeting of top SBP officials, headed by its new president Al Panlilio at the Bonifacio Global City. SpinPH was one of the online news portals that reported the development.
“Back in the hot seat. God bless us #LabanPilipinas #PUSO,” said Reyes on his Twitter account account@coachot.
Reyes, who a month ago was named the president of TV5, will take over from mentor Tab Baldwin. Gilas team manager Butch Antonio said that the American-Kiwi would still be part of the national team as consultant, his previous position when Reyes was coach before he took over in 2015.
“It was a very good partnership,” said Antonio, referring to the time when Reyes was coach while Baldwin acted as consultant during the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship here.
“Were trying to put back coach Chot to work together pa din with coach Tab. It wad a good partnership,” he said.
Antonio said that Gilas management would soon meet with Reyes to discuss the details pertaining to the program, particularly the training of the Gilas squad made up of former and current college players.
Some of the names in the Gilas Cadet are Kiefer Ravena, Mark Belo, Roger Pogoy, Russel Escoto, Mike Tolomia, Jio Jalalon and Fil-Am Ray Parks Jr., who is currently in the United States.
The national team will soon start competing under the new program of FIBA, starting next year for the 2019 World Cup in China.
