TNT Tropang 5G's Chot Reyes is undeniably among the greatest mentors the PBA has seen, copping the Coach of the Year award for a record seventh time.
Chot Reyes flashed the biggest smile when he received his record seventh PBA Coach of the Year award Monday night, Oct. 13.
The TNT mentor then turned sentimental as he started his acceptance speech by looking back to the “deepest, darkest moment in my professional career.”
“Last year was a year full of memories. But one memory stands out in my mind, and that was Sept. 2, 2023, right next door, when the Philippines played China,” Reyes said during the PBA Press Corps Awards night at Novotel in Cubao.
Chot Reyes delivers his speech after receiving his Coach of the Year award from the PBA Press Corps. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Reyes was referring to his last game as Gilas Pilipinas coach during the FIBA World Cup in 2023 at the nearby Smart Araneta Coliseum where the Filipino crowd showered him with boos during the team introduction.
“And after the players were introduced, the coach was introduced, and I was booed by my own home crowd. The deepest, darkest moment in my professional career,” Reyes went on.
But what really broke him was when he saw his wife and daughter turning emotional.
“I guess I’m used to it, but when I looked behind me to where my family was seated, my wife and my daughter were in near tears,” he said.
While Gilas went on to essay a dramatic win over China, those boos also prompted him to rethink a career littered with championships.
“I thought, at that time, that I had enough of coaching. I didn’t deserve everything that had happened so far,” said Reyes.
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Reyes' near-Grand Slam with TNT Tropang 5G
Little did he know, redemption was on the way.
Two years later, the Tropang 5G came so near to winning a Grand Slam with him at the helm, claiming the Commissioner’s Cup and Governors’ Cup in PBA Season 49.
Even with an injury-riddled lineup, he was still able to lead TNT to the Finals of the season-ending Philippine Cup.
“But, apparently, God had other plans. I’m thankful to our management, Boss Ricky (Vargas) and Boss MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan) for continuing to give me the opportunity and their trust, and now we’re here. Who would have thought, right?” said Reyes.
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Now, he is basking in the glory of this latest feat, with the people who supported him through and through.
“People ask me what’s the difference between then and now, and I say it’s the hair. I had jet-black hair then, and now, no more. It's all white,” Reyes said, drawing laughter from those in attendance.
“But it’s always special. Every award, every year, every season, it’s special,” he added.
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.