The stylish suit worn by former Gilas Pilipinas head coach, Chot Reyes, during the FIBA World Cup on home turf is now gracing the displays at the FIBA House of Basketball.
Reyes revealed that he was approached by the FIBA Foundation’s Head Curator, Miguel Font, who requested him to donate personal items worn throughout the qualifying matches and during the World Cup. Honored by the gesture, Reyes happily donated the suit jacket that had become quite the talk among netizens during the tournament.
Sharing his excitement on Instagram, Reyes wrote, “What an honor to see my coat displayed at the FIBA Museum!”
Visitors to the FIBA House of Basketball will also be treated to other significant memorabilia, including a Gilas jersey worn by Jordan Clarkson and a pair of Nike Air Force 1 shoes bearing Reyes’ signature.
In a poignant moment captured on social media, Reyes can be seen presenting the iconic coat to Hamane Niang, the former FIBA president who recently stepped down from his role.
Under Reyes’ leadership, the Gilas Pilipinas team clinched a single victory in the World Cup. Following the tournament, he made way for Tim Cone, who subsequently led the Philippines to its first Asian Games gold medal since 1962.