Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes talks to the referee during a game against Dominican Republic. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines-Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes feels the Philippine team is not getting the treatment it deserves in the 2023 Fiba World Cup.
“I really can’t believe they missed that,” he told reporters when asked about Dominican Republic Angel Delgado’s cheapshot against June Mar Fajardo during the 87-81 losing stand on opening night at Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
“That’s what I mean by respect,” he added during a chat with reporters shortly after practice late Saturday night. “I think we deserve a lot more respect from the officials.”
A clip showing Delgado punching Gilas’ gentle giant made rounds on social media and has riled up fans, some even going as far as taunting the Dominican on his Instagram page.
Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes during a game against Dominican Republic in the Fiba World Cup. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Reyes said the hit on the PBA’s six-time Most Valuable Player wasn’t the only thing the game officials missed.
“Not only that, even the landing spot on Jordan Clarkson was very, very clear,” he pointed out.
“They should’ve called that, it should’ve been easily a disqualifying foul,” Reyes added. “Jordan twisted his ankle lightly because of that. But when I asked the ref, wala daw. Hard to argue [with that].”
Clarkson, for his part, has since put the issue and his final foul with 3:32 remaining to bed.
“Some calls didn’t go our way. It’s part of the game,” the naturalized ace said. “We’ll come back and try to get the next one.”
Gilas shoots for its first win in the tournament against Angola on Sunday 8 p.m. at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.