ADORE him or despise him, you must acknowledge that
Vincent ‘Chot’ Reyes
Is one of the most insightful coaching talents in the nation.
He boasts numerous championships and awards as proof: 10
PBA
titles with Purefoods, Coca-Cola, and TNT; a record six Coach of the Year accolades from the PBA Press Corps, along with remarkable achievements as the Gilas Pilipinas mentor.
However, if there’s one achievement conspicuously absent from
Reyes
Based on his resume, it’s a grand slam—a achievement only five teams and four coaches have pulled off, specifically the late Baby Dalupan, Tommy Manotoc, Norman Black, and Tim Cone (on two occasions).
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These teams were incredibly close to achieving a grand slam.
Reyes
is on the wrong side of history based on the same criteria; despite leading his TNT squad to become one of just 10 teams in the 49-year history of the professional league to clinch the titles of the initial two conferences within a single season, they fell short of achieving a three-peat in the concluding conference.
This occurred during the 2010-2011 season when the Texters clinched the Philippine Cup by defeating San Miguel in the finals with a score of 4-2, and later triumphed over Ginebra in the Commissioner’s Cup Finals with the same scoreline of 4-2, before
lose to a Petron
In Game 7 of the Governors’ Cup championship series, side (currently known as SMB), guided by coach Ato Agustin and spearheaded by Arwind Santos, competed for the title.
PHOTO: PBA Images
Fourteen years later, Reyes, who guided TNT to the championship of the opening Governors’ Cup by defeating Ginebra in the finals, was still on course for another three-peat after this.
Tropang Giga defeated the Kings with a score of 87-83.
on Wednesday evening to compel a decisive Game 7 in the Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
Could winning the grand slam be on his mind at this moment?
“No way. Not even close,” Reyes stated firmly. He maintained that once he stepped away from the PBA to focus on his role with Gilas Pilipinas as a coach, he ceased pondering over achieving a career grand slam. Since then, these thoughts have not crossed his mind.
“When I retired, I ceased pondering over it and haven’t given it another thought since,” Chot stated.
PHOTO: Mark Cristino
Regardless of whether he wants to or not, Reyes along with his Tropang Giga team will be confronted with inquiries regarding a grand slam if they defeat Ginebra in Game 7 this Friday evening—or they’ll have to contemplate yet another opportunity for a hat-trick slipping through their fingers should they lose.
Then which one should it be? Abangan.