When Coach Chot Reyes shared that he was not surprised that Coach Leo Austria could still play, the statement revealed more than casual confidence. It reflected a deep understanding of how basketball shapes those who commit their lives to it. For people outside the sport, it may seem impressive or unexpected to see an older coach still capable on the court. For someone like Coach Chot, however, it makes complete sense.

Coach LA’s ability to still play is rooted in years of discipline and consistency. Basketball is not a skill that disappears overnight. While physical strength and speed may naturally decline with age, the core elements of the game remain. Balance, footwork, shooting form, awareness, and timing are built through repetition over many years. These fundamentals stay with a player long after their prime competitive years have passed. Coach LA’s continued competence shows that he never abandoned these basics.

Coach Chot’s reaction also highlights the importance of basketball intelligence. The game is as much mental as it is physical. Knowing how to read plays, anticipate movement, and make the right decision under pressure often separates experienced players from younger ones. Coach LA does not need to rely on athletic dominance. Instead, he uses his understanding of spacing, angles, and rhythm. These are skills that improve with age, making his ability to still play unsurprising to fellow veterans like Coach Chot.

Another factor behind Coach LA’s longevity is his lifestyle and mindset. Remaining active in sports at an older age requires self-care, discipline, and respect for one’s limits. Coach LA’s continued involvement in basketball suggests that he has taken care of his body and remained connected to the game even after transitioning into coaching. This long-term commitment allows him to stay capable, whether during practices, drills, or casual runs. Coach Chot, having seen many players and coaches over the years, recognizes this pattern clearly.

Coach LA’s presence on the court also carries influence beyond performance. A coach who can still play earns a unique level of respect from players. It bridges the gap between instruction and execution. When athletes see their coach demonstrating techniques or keeping up during practice, lessons feel more authentic. It shows that the coach understands the effort required, not just in theory but in action. Coach Chot’s comment acknowledges this unspoken authority that comes with lived experience.

There is also a deeper message in Coach Chot’s lack of surprise: age does not define relevance. In modern sports culture, youth is often celebrated while experience is overlooked. Coach LA challenges this idea. His ability to still play shows that contribution does not end when competitive careers do. Instead, it evolves. Experience brings patience, leadership, and calmness—qualities that are invaluable both on and off the court.

The mutual respect between Coach Chot and Coach LA is another important aspect. Both have left strong marks on Philippine basketball through different paths and philosophies. When Coach Chot says he is not surprised, it is not a casual remark. It is recognition from one seasoned basketball mind to another. It acknowledges the work, discipline, and passion that Coach LA has consistently shown throughout his career.

Ultimately, Coach Chot’s statement reminds us what basketball truly rewards. The game favors those who stay committed, who respect fundamentals, and who continue learning regardless of age. Coach LA can still play, not because he is trying to prove something, but because basketball is a part of who he is. His skills have not vanished—they have matured.

In this light, Coach Chot’s words feel fitting. There is no shock, no exaggeration, only understanding. For someone who has lived and breathed basketball for decades, the ability to still play is not extraordinary. It is simply the result of a lifetime devoted to the game.