By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Chot Reyes is back.
After taking a four-month break from coaching in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Reyes will finally call the shots for the TNT Tropang Giga again and will replace Jojo Lastimosa who will return as the squad’s team manager.
The veteran hoops tactician decided to have a short hiatus from the Philippine professional hoops scene after an exhausting campaign during the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
After his stint as the national team’s mentor, Reyes requested for a refresher that urged TNT to put Lastimosa as their head coach in the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup.
Under Lastimosa’s helm, TNT only managed to finish the import-laced conference with a quarterfinal qualification and wrapped up their campaign with a win-loss record of five wins and six losses.
It was a roller coaster ride for the Lastimosa-led TNT team after main import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson wasn’t able to suit up in the remaining games due to an injury.
Aside from RHJ’s absence, the team also missed the services of superstar shooting guard RR Pogoy in the first 10 games of the season due to a rare heart condition.
According to multiple reports, Reyes still has a standing live contract with the Tropang Giga franchise until December 31, 2024, and will most likely handle the team in all conferences this year.
Reyes immediately left his mark with the TNT organization after steering the team to the championship title amid the COVID-19 pandemic PBA bubble.
After that run, he then helped TNT qualify in every post-season playoff stage before accepting the job as Gilas’ head coach.
With Reyes back under the helm, the Tropang Giga is looking to redeem themselves in the next PBA conference.
