CHOT Reyes was awarded his record-extending seventh PBA Press Corps Coach of the Year trophy on Monday night at the Novotel Manila, and he admitted never expecting to win one again in his career.
Just two years ago, Reyes said he was at his lowest point of his coaching career just as Gilas Pilipinas was about to take on China in the FIBA Basketball World Cup that the country hosted at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
“Last year was a year full of memories, but one memory stands out in mind. And that was September 2, 2023, right next door. Philippines played China and after the players were introduced, the coach was introduced and I was roundly booed by the home crowd.”
“Deepest, darkest moment in my professional career,” Reyes said.
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“Never mind me, I guess I’m used to it, but I look behind me where my family is seated, my wife and my daughter were in near tears,” added Reyes, his voice cracking, during his acceptance speech.
Reyes stepped down from the Gilas soon after the FIBA Basketball World Cup, leaving him with one sole head coaching position at TNT. But even then, he had thoughts about giving up coaching for good.
“I thought at that time that I had enough of coaching. I didn’t deserve everything that had happened so far,” he said.
“But apparently, God had other plans and thankful to our management, Boss Ricky [Vargas], Boss MVP to continuing to give me the opportunity, and their trust. And now, we are here. Who would have thought,” Reyes added.
The 61-year-old Reyes received the Baby Dalupan Trophy on Monday for steering TNT to two championships during the 49th Season, including the Governors’ Cup against Barangay Ginebra, his first since he left the Gilas position.
After bagging the Commissioner’s Cup title in a Game 7 against Ginebra, TNT moved into position to claim a grand slam but the Tropang 5G were defeated by San Miguel in the season-ending Philippine Cup Finals.
Reyes shared the award handed by the sports scribes covering the PBA beat to his team. A few of his players were in attendance, including Calvin Oftana and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, who also won the Order of Merit and Comeback Player of the Year honors, respectively.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was also present to receive the Game of the Season plum that went to Game 7 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals between TNT and Ginebra.
“It’s not about me, but it’s about we… Because the Coach of the Year award represents, it’s not individual success but really, team success. I wouldn’t be standing here if our team didn’t do well. It’s not about me. It’s about we,” said Reyes.
“We are only as good as our last championship. You have to be grateful and treasure every moment that we have. Success is never final. Failure is never fatal. I learned that on that fateful night in 2023 when I thought I was done coaching,” Reyes said.
“I always tell my players, putting in the effort, and doing extra sprints, running extra laps, being dedicated, being disciplined is hard. But so is losing. Being unprepared, failing, that’s hard as well. I always tell my players to choose your hard,” Reyes added.
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