MANILA – Vincent “Chot” Reyes has reclaimed the head coaching job of the TNT Tropang Giga ahead of the 2024 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) All-Filipino Conference.
The former Gilas Pilipinas mentor was brought back following the Tropang Giga’s quarterfinals exit in the 2023-2024 PBA Commissioner’s Cup when they bowed to Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots.
Jojo Lastimosa, who handled the Tropang Giga during Reyes’ time out and steered the team to 2023 PBA Governor’s Cup crown, will return to his previous role as the squad’s team manager.
This will be the 59-year-old Reyes’ third stint with the Manuel V. Pangilinan-owned flagship franchise after recently tendering his resignation as the national men’s basketball team head coach.
Reyes’ first stint as the Tropang Giga head coach was from 2008 to 2012 as he steered the team to three consecutive Philippine Cup championships from 2008 to 2011 and another crown in the 2011 Commissioner’s Cup.
Reyes made his return to the franchise in 2021 as he helped the Tropang Giga to that year’s All-Filipino Conference championship behind the tandem of Mikey Williams, Jayson Castro, and Roger Pogoy.
He then opted to slide down as the Tropang Giga’s active team consultant as he prepares the Gilas Pilipinas for their 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup campaign here in the country.
Lastimosa, in an interview over the weekend, said he was happy to be back to his old role as the Tropang Giga’s team manager as he knew that being the team’s head coach was just temporary.
“I feel good about getting my old job back and I was humbled that management gave me the opportunity to hold the fort while Chot was resting,” Lastimosa said. “It was an experience I’d never been a part of.”
“I knew that my being a head coach was on a temporary basis so I’m good,” added the PBA legend. “Chot is rejuvenated and ready to get at it.”/PN
