No more basketball for Chot Reyes

MEDIA guests from the sports beat must have been surprised to be greeted and welcomed by Chot Reyes upon their arrival at the venue of the TV5 Christmas party last Wednesday.

Clearly, the former Gilas coach was the “punong abala” (host) of the annual affair, which he never had time to do in the past when he was busy with the national team.

Chot was thrilled with the huge turnout both of sports editors and the scribes with whom he easily renewed acquaintances, assuring everyone that he harbors no grudge, no ill feelings, “kahit doon sa mga tumira sa akin,” he said laughing.

Yes, there will definitely be life after Gilas for him. From hereon, Chot said he will concentrate on being TV5 Sports and TV5 Sports Digital head.

The past month, Chot said he has been meeting with his staff, planning new shows and programs for his online medium.

No more coaching and basketball for him.

* * *

All through the night, this was the only time he talked about that subject which seemed to pain him immensely.

After 30 years of coaching, he said it was time for him to retire for good.

“I was only 19 when I first coached a high school team,” he recounted.

He was working as a Purefoods executive when he decided to change his career path and go into basketball coaching. It was a big gamble but Chot felt that the risk was worth taking.

I think I was one of those who strongly prodded him into taking a new career path. I had a Smokey’s franchise at the time and he was one of the Purefoods executives I regularly dealt with.

After 30 years of coaching, Chot swore he does not miss it.

That night, Chot sang for the media, including “Just Once,” which I believe holds much meaning for him. Part of it goes:

“I did my best, but I guess my best wasn’t good enough. ‘Cause here we are back where we were before. Seems nothing ever changes …”

* * *

I didn’t realize that “The Maestro,” coach Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan had just celebrated his 91st birthday.

The info came from coach  Baby’s youngest daughter, Cecile Dalupan, an immigration lawyer who is now based in Denver, Colorado, with her family.

Cecile was a gymnast in her younger days, and later became a gymnastics instructor. She is very close to her father and among Baby’s seven daughters, she was most fond of basketball and would always watch the games he coached.

“Dad can hardly see and he has difficulty walking but his mind is still at its sharpest,” said Cecile, who invited us to breakfast recently to discuss a book about the Maestro, which she and her sisters are writing.

“I read the text to dad and he would add some details, correct some items. He still remembers everything. The book will contain chapters on his family life, his years  as UE, Crispa and national coach, among others. Two-time Grand Slam  and Purefoods coach Tim Cone will write the foreword,” said Cecile, who has commissioned veteran scribes who had been around when coach Baby was still active, to write certain chapters.

“We hope to launch the book middle of next year,” Cecile said.