Breaking the Korean curse and besting Japan? That's an impressive feat.
This is a Josh Reyes appreciation post.
The coach of the Philippine boys' national basketball team converted a number of critics into appreciative fans after the Gilas Youth defeated Japan in the quarterfinals of the FIBA U16 Asian Championship, 64-59.
More importantly, the victory secured the Gilas Youth's return to the FIBA U17 World Cup after the 2018 edition.
This came after the boys secured a 95-71 win against South Korea—their first in the history of the competition and at the youth level in FIBA.
"No U16 team has ever beaten [Korea] and [Japan] in two knockout games to make it to the U17 World Cup," emphasized assistant coach Enzo Flojo in an Instagram post.
The feat earned coach Josh Reyes plenty of praise.
"I like Josh Reyes’ coaching. It’s a challenging task to coach youth NT, which requires coaching to win whilst educating the young players. The players need to grow, but at the same time play off the principles to try and win through their coach’s philosophy," tweeted FIBA commentator Josh Bett.
It's not a secret that Reyes has received flak for being part of the national team's coaching staff, being the son of embattled former senior men's basketball squad tactician Chot Reyes.
But the younger Reyes has been here before. He was an assistant to coach Michael Oliver when the Gilas Pilipinas Youth competed in the 2018 edition of the FIBA U17 World Cup, finishing 13th out of 16 squads.
Some fans admitted they had to give Reyes his flowers. They were glad to be proven wrong.
"Josh Reyes respect to you. you proved me wrong, really good coaching today. RESPECT," tweeted @koaidjammers1.
"Good job, Coach Josh Reyes. I love the offensive and defensive sets and adjustments. You proved me and all the haters wrong," posted @noamssy.
"Hot take: Josh Reyes is different from Chot Reyes and maybe he should handle the development of the youth team to be better suited for the next foreign coach for the senior team," added @jmbryndglld.
"The Josh Reyes haters club will again be shut down due to this historic win that will put Batang Gilas U16 team in the Semis for the 1st time ever!" added Philip Niño Zuñiga.
"Gotta praise Coach Josh Reyes on this also! Puro backlash natanggap niyan dahil anak siya ni Chot pero ayun, napagWorld Cup niya yong U16 Team natin," posted @matttalksports.
"Josh Reyes making me eat my words ba?? Hahahahaha," added @kiingcorona.
The job isn't done yet for the Gilas Youth though. The Filipinos will take on the junior Boomers in the semifinals on September 24, 12:30 AM, Philippine time.
(CF)