In a generous and symbolic gesture, former Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes has chosen to donate the expensive Thom Browne coat he donned during his controversial outfit of the day (OOTD) as coach of Gilas Pilipinas in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. The coat has now found its place of honor in the FIBA Museum, signifying a memorable chapter in Philippine basketball history.
The iconic Thom Browne coat became a center of attention during the 2023 FIBA World Cup held last August in the Philippines. Reyes, known for his distinctive style, wore this coat as part of his OOTD, attracting both admiration and critique from the public. Netizens and basketball fans couldn’t help but comment on this unique fashion choice, juxtaposing it with the team’s performance on the court, sparking discussions about the national team’s struggles, even when Coach Reyes appeared to be a winner in his own right.
The coat, with a hefty price tag of PHP128,000, serves as a symbol of the fashion-forward and flamboyant side of Coach Chot Reyes, now taking its place in the annals of basketball history within the hallowed halls of the FIBA Museum. This gesture not only commemorates the coach’s distinctive style but also pays tribute to the complexities and nuances of his tenure with Gilas Pilipinas during the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
On Instagram, he posted yesterday, October 11, 2023, a photo of his coat in a glass case. His caption:
“Thank you @fiba Secretary General Andreas Zagklis for the warm welcome to the House of Basketball. Was asked by FIBA Foundation’s Head Curator Miguel Font to donate some personal items I’ve been wearing through the qualifying windows from last year until the WC this year. What an honor to see my coat displayed at the FIBA Museum!”
