Chot replacing Black as Blue Eagles coach?

By Noli Cortez
Malaya
October 9, 2007

Ateneo is ripe for a change at the top and a perfect candidate for the job has already been found.

This is the contention of an influential group of former Ateneo alumni who has reportedly grown disgruntled with the Blue Eagles’ disappointing finishes under coach Norman Black and plans to bring in Chot Reyes as replacement.

"He’s (Reyes) the ideal choice," said a source who requested anonymity until such time as a formal offer has been made to the former national coach and an announcement to effect made.

"He’s a former Blue Eagle and also a multi-titled coach. Who better for the job?" the source added.

Reyes, contacted yesterday, said he has not received any formal offer but admitted there have been queries if he is indeed being wooed for the job.

"Di ko alam iyan," said Reyes, who played for the Blue Eagles in 1981 to 1985 and coached their 1990-1991 team that included Olsen Racela, Richie Ticzon and Eric Reyes. That team lost to UE in the playoff for a finals slot and wound up third.

"Ideal job sana iyan para sa akin, which is to go back to coaching in college," Reyes admitted.

"But I can’t see that happening because of some factors," he hastily added. "Besides, kaibigan ko si Norman."

Reyes is currently officially on-leave from San Miguel Beer in the PBA. He coached the national team to a ninth-place finish in the FIBA-Asia championships last August in Tokushima, Japan.

His current stance, however, will not deter his backers.

Black, whose contract has reportedly been extended for another year, has been coach of the Blue Eagles the last three years, steering the team to a runner-up finish behind University of Santo Tomas last year. The team finished third this season.

The pro-Reyes group is set to formally present its proposal to both Ateneo officials and team patron Manny V. Pangilinan, president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.