Reyes steps down as Gilas coach after World Cup

MOMENTS after the Philippines beat Asian rival China, 96-75, Gilas Pilipinas head coach announced his plan to step down as the bench tactician for the men’s national team on Saturday night, Sept. 2, 2023.

“I really don’t know. I don’t know if I’m still gonna be here for that. I might have coached my last game already as Gilas Pilipinas coach,” said Reyes.

The multi-titled coach has been in hot water recently owing to the performance of Gilas Pilipinas, losing its first four assignments to Dominican Republic, Angola, Italy and South Sudan before closing its campaign with a win against China to avoid a winless hosting.

“I take full accountability, and because of that I think it’s time for me to step aside. I think it’s time to step aside and allow the SBP to make a decision for the good of the team and program,” he said.

Filipino-American Jordan Clarkson was on fire against China, as he canned in 24 of his 34 points in a pivotal third quarter to propel the Philippines to its first World Cup win since 2014 when it stunned Senegal in overtime.

The Utah Jazz star Clarkson shot 5-of-10 from long distance and 11-of-18 overall to close out his World Cup stint for the Philippines.

The win prevented the Philippines from becoming the first World Cup host to go winless since Colombia in the 1982 edition.

Rhenz Abando provided support for Clarkson with 14 points, five rebounds and the highlight block on Kyle Anderson in the third quarter.

Bigman Kai Sotto handed in 12 points and six boards, while Dwight Ramos chipped in 11 points, five boards, four dimes and two steals for Gilas.

Cebuano June Mar Fajardo added nine points while AJ Edu had five but made up for it by grabbing 10 boards.

Anderson, an NBA veteran who plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves, came up with 17 points, nine rebounds, and five assists for China. / RSC