The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is set to restructure the Gilas Pilipinas Youth program following the resignation of head coach Josh Reyes. After six years of guiding the national youth basketball team, Reyes has decided to step down from his role.

“We thank coach Josh for his service to the SBP and to the country in leading the Gilas Youth program for the past six years,” said SBP President Al Panlilio. “While he leaves his role as head coach, he will still be part of the SBP organization as an assistant to coach Tim Cone for Gilas Pilipinas Men.”

Josh Reyes began his involvement with the Gilas Youth program in 2017, serving as an assistant coach for the FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship. Free from any affiliations with high school or collegiate programs, Reyes became a trusted figure in Philippine youth basketball, guiding players without any recruitment concerns.

In 2018, Reyes took on his first head coaching role in the Under-18 Asian Championship, leading a team featuring future basketball stars like Kai Sotto, AJ Edu, and Dave Ildefonso. Under his leadership, the team achieved the country’s best finish in the tournament since 1992 and secured a spot in the Under-19 World Cup after a 40-year drought.

After a brief absence, Reyes returned to revive the Gilas Youth program, which had been impacted by the pandemic. Despite challenges, Gilas Youth achieved notable finishes, including seventh in the 2022 Under-16 and sixth in the 2022 Under-18 Asian Championships.

Reyes’ hard work culminated in the 2023 Under-16 Asian Championship, where his team, following five months of training and nationwide tryouts, reached the final four and secured a spot in the 2024 FIBA Under-17 World Cup in Istanbul. However, injuries to key players, including Kieffer Alas and Andy Gemao, impacted the team’s later performances, resulting in a tenth-place finish in the FIBA Under-18 Asian Championship.

Reflecting on his journey, Reyes said, “The last Under-18 team gave me the ending I didn’t know I needed. It’s not entirely about the wins and losses but about the journey and how you grow together.”

Josh Reyes leaves behind a legacy of leading two versions of Gilas Youth to the FIBA World Cup and building strong relationships with his players. “I’m proud of the achievements, but I’m more proud of the relationships I’ve built,” Reyes shared. “Now, I look forward to spending more time with my family while still contributing to the national team.”

The SBP is now in the process of selecting the next head coach for Gilas Youth, with Executive Director Erika Dy emphasizing the program’s focus on continuity and synergy with Gilas Men. The new head coach will be announced in the coming weeks.

Josh Reyes’ departure marks the end of a significant chapter in Philippine youth basketball, but his impact on the sport and the players he coached will continue to shape its future.