By REYNALD MAGALLON
Filipino basketball fans are understandably passionate and loud just like the fanatics in England’s Premier League, Spain’s La Liga, Italy’s Serie A and even in Germany.
But there was no case so far of fans going to the streets in the country to express their dismay and anger over a horrible showing of their favorite teams.
But the outrage of the Filipino fans is perhaps almost equal to Europe when their teams perform below par or their countries suffer early exit either at Euro League or FIFA World Cup.
The words that came out on social media were vitriolic – very damaging to one’s reputation. In fact, so many unprintable remarks were uttered and posted on various media platforms directed to Gilas coach Chot Reyes as he became an object of ridicule every after the team’s defeat.
The displeasure was never felt as strong as when Gilas took the hardcourt against Italy as fans booed Reyes when his name was called by the game announcer.
Sadly, these fans were the very people Reyes and the Nationals were fighting for.
Understandably, the fans reaction was not solely due to the last three losses of Gilas but was boiling over the past shortcomings of the national team during the qualifiers, the Asia Cup and even the SEA games two years ago.
“Chot Reyes should resign. He should be man enough to admit that he failed. Huwag ipilit ang sarili,” one X (formerly Twitter) user posted.
“For God’s sake, please replace Chot Reyes and bring Tab Baldwin back! Home court advantage turns into a disadvantage because of this coach,” another posted.
“Let’s agree on this one. It’s time for Chot Reyes to step down. He served well, and the time is now for a new coaching staff,” someone added.
But is Reyes really the one to be blamed?
Even basketball godfather Manny V. Pangilinan, the man largely responsible for bringing the biggest basketball event to the country, just shrugged it off.
Pangilinan, according to a source who refused to be named, said he was also hurting like most Filipinos but he’s not blaming anyone.
Some restrained experts even said that basketball fans are not simply fans, but they see themselves as coaches as well
