Cebuano coach Ryan Betia (right most) with the Gilas team. | contributed photo
Cebu City, Philippines — Cebuano coach Ryan Betia has once again been called upon to serve flag and country after he was chosen to be an assistant coach of the country’s national youth team, the Batang Gilas.
Head coach Sandy Arespacochaga has picked a bevy of champion coaches to be his assistants, a group that includes Betia.
The former University of San Carlos (USC) assistant has been a long-time assistant coach of the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws. He has also functioned as assistant coach for the men’s national team — the Gilas — on several occasions.
Betia expressed his gratitude to the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas for trusting him to be part of the staff that will lead the Philippines’ finest young players in international competitions.
“It’s an honor. Thankful kayo ko nila Al Panlilio ug sa SBP nga maka represent na pod ug balik sa Pilipinas,” said Betia, who honed his coaching chops under Mike Reyes, the head coach of the Southwestern University (SWU)-Phinma Cobras and brother of former Gilas head coach Chot Reyes.
Betia added that early on, he would place an emphasis on getting the players to adjust their current style of play to the international style if the Batang Gilas are to be successful in future tournaments.
“Ako e-ingon sa mga bata nga dapat maka-adopt ta sa style sa international playing stage nga bisag gamay ra ang panahon,” said Betia, who is being joined by fellow assistants Goldwin Monteverde, Charles Tiu, Ryan Betia, JB Sison, and Anton Altamirano. /bmjo