Tigers getting bolder after Chot’s US stint

Coca-Cola coach Chot Reyes thinks they have a job cut out for them in the coming PBA wars with practically all their rivals beefing up their lineups through the draft or trade deals in the off-season.

Reyes considered San Miguel Beer, Talk n Text, Red Bull Barako and Barangay Ginebra the teams to beat with his own team "at best in the middle (of the pack) only because of how we’ve been playing and not because of talent."

Reyes, the most successful mentor in the league the last two years, made the assessment in an interview with The STAR yesterday upon his arrival from the United States.

From the airport, he went straight to the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center at the Ateneo in Quezon City to attend his team’s practice. He returned from his US trip with a side trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina with new insights absorbed from renowned basketball gurus.

Reyes said he was able to observe three practice sessions and watch three home games by the Los Angeles Lakers and observe six workouts by Argentine tough team Club Obras under coach Eddie Cadillac — said to be a legendary Argentine player in the 70s to the 80s.

"It’s quite an experience. Sa Argentina lang marami na akong napulot dahil iba ang style at iba ang development ng basketball sa kanila," said Reyes, smitten by the Argentine basketball after its conquest of the US team in the most recent World Basketball Championship in Indianapolis, Indiana.

In Los Angeles, Reyes said he was even able to help Shaquille O’Neal while working on his free throws.

"Naging taga-abot ako ng bola ni Shaq. But of course the important thing was that I was able to take videos of what they’re doing there," he said.

Reyes was to plane in yesterday with import Mark Sanford. The NBA second round draftee, however, missed the Los Angeles flight to Manila as his flight from Florida was delayed. "Sa next flight na ang sakay niya," said Reyes.

On the coming PBA season, he said: "Every team, bar none, got stronger significantly and that would make me approach the season with a lot of concern."

He added: "Si (Danny) Seigle bumalik sa San Miguel. Ang Ginebra nakuha si Andy Seigle, Rodney Santos at bumalik pa si Jayjay Helterbrand. Ang Red Bull nawala si Willie Miller pero nakakuha naman sila ng magandang kapalit kay Denver Lopez."

The former Ateneo guard said he’s keeping his team intact and getting only one addition in 10th draft pick Gary David.

"It was a great pick at that low. Pero ang gusto sana namin big man because Gary would be playing the same spot as our best player Jeffrey Cariaso," said Reyes.

Rafi Reavis, William Antonio and Rob Wainwright together with Gilbert Lao and Jeck Chia became free agents last Dec. 31. Reyes said his priority is to work on the contracts of Reavis, Antonio, Wainwright and David.

Reyes and his Tigers made it to the finals of all the three PBA tourneys last year, ruling the season-ending Reinforced Conference.