SBP respects Chot's decision to withdraw from next Gilas coach search

MANILA, Philippines -- The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) respected embattled Gilas coach Chot Reyes' decision to forego his chance at returning for another tour of duty.

SBP executive director Sonny Barrios told Philstar.com that they will no longer consider Reyes in their search for the next national team coach following his decision.

"It will simply mean the (screening and search committee) won't consider Chot anymore because he has voluntarily excused himself. The rest of the work will be the same," Barrios said.

The SBP official also thanked Reyes for his contributions in the past two years as national head coach.

"We respect Coach Chot's decision.  And we thank him for the hard work he has put in the last 2 years as head coach of the national team.  He has brought honor and pride to the country under his leadership," Barrios added.

Under Reyes' leadership, the country not only returned to the basketball world stage but also won for the first time in 40 years. He, however, drew heavy criticisms followinf the national team's dismal showing in the last Asian Games.