Chot Reyes reflects on career’s ‘darkest moment’ after claiming 7th PBA Coach of the Year honor

TNT Tropang Giga head coach Chot Reyes added another historic milestone to his storied coaching career after being named the Baby Dalupan Coach of the Year for a record-extending seventh time during the PBA Press Corps Awards Night on Monday, October 13, at Novotel Manila in Quezon City.

Reyes, 62, was the unanimous choice of PBA beat reporters after steering TNT to back-to-back championships in the Commissioner’s Cup and Governors’ Cup this past season. His efforts brought TNT within two wins of completing a coveted PBA Grand Slam, a feat achieved by only four teams in league history.

While accepting the award, Reyes took a moment to reflect on the emotional rollercoaster that has defined the last few years of his coaching career. In a candid speech, he opened up about what he described as the “darkest moment” of his professional life.

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“Last year was full of memories. But one memory stands out — September 2, 2023, right next door, when the Philippines played China,” Reyes recalled, referencing his final game as Gilas Pilipinas head coach during the 2023 FIBA World Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“After the players were introduced, the coach was introduced, and I was booed by my own home crowd. The deepest, darkest moment of my career.”

He went on to share that what hurt even more than the boos was seeing his family’s reaction.

“I guess I’m used to it, but when I looked behind me where my family was seated, my wife and daughter were in near tears. At that point, I thought I’d had enough of coaching. I didn’t think I deserved what had happened.”

Coach Chot Reyes claims a record-setting 7th Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan Coach of the Year award from the PBA Press Corps, the most in league history. 🏆

A true testament not just to his playbook brilliance, but to the culture, character, and championship mindset he instills! pic.twitter.com/tWcl6fLwhi

— TNT Tropang 5G (@TNTTropang5G) October 13, 2025

But just two years later, Reyes finds himself back on top — leading TNT to the brink of a Grand Slam and earning another Coach of the Year award in the process.

“Apparently, God had other plans,” he said. “I’m thankful to our management — Boss Ricky Vargas and Boss MVP — for continuing to give me the opportunity and their trust. Now we’re here. Who would have thought?”

In typical Reyes fashion, he added a lighthearted touch:

“People ask me what’s the difference between then and now. I say, ‘the hair.’ I had jet-black hair then. Now, no more — it’s all white. But every award, every year, it’s always special.”

Since first winning the Baby Dalupan award in 1993, Reyes has now claimed the honor across four different decades — in 2002, 2003, 2009, 2011, 2021, and now 2025 — a testament to his longevity and ability to adapt to the evolving game.

His return to the PBA in 2021, after nearly a decade away from the league, has been nothing short of remarkable. In just four seasons, Reyes has won three championships and earned two of the last four Coach of the Year awards, masterfully blending modern analytics with his trademark discipline, leadership, and creativity.

Though he narrowly missed joining the elite list of Grand Slam-winning coaches — Baby Dalupan, Tommy Manotoc, Norman Black, and Tim Cone — Reyes’s consistency and continued excellence affirm his place among the PBA’s all-time greats.

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