Chot Reyes took a sabbatical from his head coaching post for the TNT Tropang Giga to focus on Gilas’ buildup for the FIBA World Cup last year.
Chot Reyes returned to the TNT helm after a two-conference absence and he marked it with a 108-107 victory for the Tropang Giga over Rain or Shine in the PBA Philippine Cup opener on Wednesday, Feb. 28.
Asked how he would assess his comeback, Reyes said that there was no big adjustment given that he was always with the team despite his hiatus.
Reyes temporarily took a break from his role as TNT's chief tactician to focus on Gilas’ buildup for the FIBA World Cup held here last year. He stepped down from his head coaching duties for the Nationals after their campaign.
[WATCH: PBA Player of the Game Highlights: Calvin Oftana shows the way in TNT's comeback against Rain or Shine]
“I’ve always been with the team whether it’s in practice or in games. There was no big adjustment. If there was any adjustment, it’s simply getting accustomed to the PBA grind," said Reyes.
“It’s just getting back to the grind of PBA cadence of practice, games, practice. 'Yun lang naman. That cadence is very different from Gilas cadence. Other than that, no big adjustment," he added.
The Tropang Giga welcomed their mentor with a searing come-from-behind triumph, leaning on Calvin Oftana to wipe out a 10-point third quarter deficit.