Chot willing to help Cone in Asian Games

Chot Reyes may no longer be the Gilas Pilipinas head coach, but the fiery Filipino mentor said he's very much willing to help interim national bench tactician Tim Cone in preparing for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

Chot Reyes PHOTO BY RIO DELUVIO

Reyes has officially stepped down from Gilas coaching, just eight days after the Philippines closed its 2023 FIBA World Cup campaign with a 96-75 rout of China.

With Gilas suddenly in search for a coach, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, in partnership with the PBA, talked to Cone, Reyes' deputy in the World Cup, and eventually, said “yes” to handle the national team for the Asian Games.

“Tim knows he can call me for anything if he just needs to bounce ideas off, or to talk about anything at all,” Reyes told One News PH.

In fact, the former Gilas mentor gave his inputs a few days ago regarding the national team's first-round opponents in the quadrennial games, which include Jordan, Thailand and Bahrain.

“I gave my inputs a couple of days ago, not only on who we are going to play but also on who our potential opponents are in the Asian Games. I'm willing to continue helping,” he stressed.

“I don't need a title or any official designation, but in any manner or capacity I'm willing to help out.”

The Asian Games officially opens on September 23, with host China, expected to come out with a strong performance, following an underwhelming effort in the FIBA World Cup that saw the many-time Asian cage champion win just once in five games under seasoned international coach Sasha Dordevic.

The men's basketball competition kicks off on September 26 with the Philippine men's squad taking on Bahrain on opening day.

Naturalized player and three-time PBA Best Import Justin Brownlee will be leading the way for the Philippines, along with June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar and Scottie Thompson, the remaining holdovers of the Gilas side that played in the World Cup.