Photo credit: SBP

In a heartwarming display of solidarity, basketball icons Rhenz Abando, Kiefer Ravena, and Jordan Clarkson have come forward to address the diverse crowd reactions, particularly those directed at Gilas Pilipinas' head coach, Chot Reyes.

The trio's remarks serve as a powerful reminder that national pride and unity should transcend moments of criticism and disagreement.
"Hindi natin time para sisihin ang kung sino man.

Tao lang rin, nagkakamali," Abando candidly expressed during a press conference. "Dapat pinaglalaban niyo ang bansa natin, pinaglalaban namin. So dapat, sinusuportahan niyo pa rin siya kasi may nagkakamali rin talaga."

Abando's sentiments underline the shared responsibility of rallying behind the nation, even when mistakes occur.

Ravena, renowned for his steadfast dedication, echoed Abando's sentiments, emphasizing the exceptional opportunity the team has to represent their country on home turf. "Naririnig naman na natin yun noon pa," Ravena reflected.

"Maglalaro kami para sa coach namin hanggang dulo. Once in a lifetime experience to na makapaglaro sa home crowd, and ang ginagawa naman namin talaga kailangan lang siguro namin ma-flip talaga yung opportunity na nandito sa homecourt na gamitin namin na against us na naririnig namin yung mga ganon. Tapos nagpapaapekto kami, so gawin namin siyang advantage."

For Clarkson, a prominent figure in Philippine basketball despite his international career, the situation hits closer to home. He reflected, "Especially us hosting and us being the home country. But yeah, I really don’t know much about the situation, but like you’ve said, it does, at that point, feel a little weird. It’s out of the ordinary, honestly." Clarkson's remarks underscore the complexity of emotions that arise when a coach receives criticism from their own nation's crowd.