TNT coach Chot Reyes is saddened by the decision of his former team Alaska to leave the PBA after the 2021 season.
The multi-titled coach started his PBA career as an assistant coach of the Milkmen in the early 1990s. Reyes even took over on an interim basis in 1991 after Tim Cone was banned from coaching in the league due to a court case filed by the Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines (BCAP).
Reyes later moved on to accept a head-coaching job at Purefoods in 1993, winning the PBA title in his first conference when it carried the Coney Island brand.
“Remember, I was with the Alaska franchise. I started my PBA career as an assistant coach with Alaska. I’m deeply saddened by the turn of events,” said Reyes.
On Wednesday, Alaska team owner Wilfred Uytengsu shocked the Philippine basketball world by announcing that the ongoing Governors’ Cup will be the team’s final conference after 35 seasons in the PBA.
Pre-game speech
Reyes said the turn of events was actually the main point of his pre-game speech with TNT prior to its match against San Miguel on Wednesday as he encouraged everyone to play like it was their last game.
“But like I said and I told my players today, that’s life. We never really can’t tell. So we have to approach the thing we are doing, treasure it, we have to cherish it, and play like it is our last game because we never really know,” Reyes said.
Reyes also said he is confident that the PBA will be able to overcome the exit of one of the most storied franchises in the league.
“As saddened as I am and my heart goes out to Fred and all the management and players and coaches of Alaska, it is a part of life.
"That’s not the first time it happened to the PBA. The league has overcome it in the past and I’m pretty sure that with the guidance of the board, the leadership of Commissioner Willie [Marcial], we will overcome it,” said Reyes.
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