Many things have been said about the unfortunate saga of Coach Vincent “Chot” Reyes and the GILAS team during this 2023 FIBA World Cup.

The irony is that after the emotional outbursts die down, Coach Chot and Gilas performed statistically better than the Gilas Teams of 2019 and 2014.

There are 2 main differences that amplified the outcry of a noisy minority- (1) This time we were the hosts and the expectation and pressure to perform was much higher especially with NBA 6th man of the year, Jordan Clarkson (2) The social media pressure today may be 10x more than 2019 and 100x more than 2014. Self-annointed basketball experts and the so-called media, many of whom have never coached a basketball team, had opinions posted and heard, not because they were right but because they were a way to generate views, likes, reactions. These were important to the “experts”, because in the end, they were rewarded with pay-outs from the social media plaftforms. These analysts were rewarded for fanning the flames of debate; never mind if a better, albeit less viral approach was to support the national team when before and during the battle. Debate can come, after the war is over. But no, there will be less rewards for the M.I.R.O.N after that. To Coach Chot and Gilas and even the SBP, salute for battling for flag and country. We know the constraints and challenges you faced and the sacrifices that you have made. It is easier for us to be in the sidelines and shout or cry.

For the future coaches of Gilas and even to the SBP, social media will always have haters, bullies and experts. Listen not to the cries of the mob, but listen to what is truly in your hearts. Puso!