Ryan Gregorio denies volunteering for Gilas coaching job

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Ryan Gregorio on Tuesday quashed rumors that he is vouching for himself as the next head coach of Gilas Pilipinas.

Gregorio has been playing the role as special assistant to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president since last year and he plans to keep it that way.

The 47-year-old Gregorio though, made it clear that his door is always open to serve the national team but not in a head coaching capacity.

“That’s not true. Of course, not. Volunteering? That’s a very tough term. I don’t volunteer but I will always make myself available for Philippine basketball but not necessarily as a coach. I’m retired,” Gregorio said Tuesday.

“I’m sticking to my function as special assistant to the SBP president.”

Apart from his special assistant duties, Gregorio also served as chief scout of Yeng Guiao, who just recently stepped down as head coach of Gilas Pilipinas following a winless campaign in the 2019 Fiba World Cup in China.

Gregorio had a successful coaching career in the PBA where he led the Purefoods franchise to three championships. He last coached the Meralco Bolts in the PBA from 2010 to 2014.