Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes reacts after winning the men’s basketball final against Cambodia at the 32nd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Phnom Penh on May 16, 2023. (Photo by MOHD RASFAN/AFP)
MANILA, Philippines—After bringing back the Southeast Asian Games men’s basketball gold to the country, Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes offered a part of the team’s success to San Miguel Corporation sports director Alfrancis Chua.
Reyes on Wednesday shared a series of messages from Chua, encouraging him to just focus on coaching amid the social media noise.
“Appreciation post: When everyone was down on us and doubting, and the bashers as usual were hating, one voice kept the faith, kept believing. That in the end we’d come out winning. Salamat Gov Al Chua You’re part of this,” wrote Reyes on Instagram.
“Morning keep coaching positive lang huwag mong intindihin mga tao kasama sa buhay natin yan good luck,” the SMC official told Reyes. “Basta coach ka lang alam ko mahirap just block mo lang sa isip concentrate lang sa team ok.”
In Reyes’ screenshots, Chua also told him in another text message that he was supposed to fly to Cambodia.
Gilas Pilipinas dominated host Cambodia in the gold medal match, 80-69, to regain its glory in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games on Tuesday at Morodok Techo National Sports Center Phnom Penh.
The Filipinos finished with a 2-1 record in the elimination round, losing to Cambodia, 79-68. The Nationals then proceeded to eliminate last year’s tormentor and defending champion Indonesia, 84-76, in the semifinal.
San Miguel has been supporting the men’s basketball team program as it will be the country’s official partner in the upcoming Fiba World Cup 2023 hosting in August.