Veteran coach Chot Reyes has once again spoken out about an issue he believes can quietly undo even the most talented teams: losing emotional control in the middle of a game. This time, his message was directed toward BGR, a squad that has recently drawn attention not just for its talent, but also for moments of visible frustration and on-court tension.
Speaking candidly after a recent contest, Reyes stressed that while passion is essential in basketball, it becomes counterproductive when it turns into arguments, unnecessary fouls, or distractions from the game plan. According to him, winning teams are defined not only by skill and effort, but by how they respond when emotions run high.
“Intensity is part of the game,” Reyes said. “But when players start reacting instead of thinking, that’s when problems begin. You can’t let one bad call or one exchange throw you off.”
BGR has figured in several closely fought games where emotions boiled over. There have been moments of animated protests toward referees, heated exchanges with opponents, and stretches where focus appeared to waver. While none of the incidents resulted in serious penalties, they were enough to spark conversation among fans and analysts about whether the team’s emotional approach is hurting its chances.
Reyes was quick to point out that his comments were not meant to criticize individuals. Rather, he described them as reminders drawn from years of coaching at the highest levels. Having seen championship teams rise and fall, Reyes believes emotional discipline is one of the most overlooked elements of sustained success.
“Talent gets you noticed,” he explained. “But discipline is what keeps you competitive night after night. The teams that last are the ones that stay composed, especially when the game isn’t going their way.”
Basketball analysts agree with Reyes’ assessment. In a league where parity is high and games are often decided by a handful of possessions, mental lapses can be costly. A single technical foul, a missed defensive assignment after arguing a call, or a rushed shot taken out of frustration can quickly shift momentum.
“When players lose their cool, they give the other team an advantage,” one observer noted. “It’s not always about the scoreboard. It’s about energy, rhythm, and focus.”
For BGR, the challenge lies in matching its physical tools with emotional maturity. The team has shown it can compete with top contenders, flashing speed, strength, and scoring depth. However, those strengths have sometimes been overshadowed by stretches where frustration took over, leading to sloppy execution and missed opportunities.
Reyes believes leadership within the team will play a crucial role in addressing the issue. Veterans, he said, must act as stabilizers on the court, especially when younger players are caught up in the moment. Simple acts—calling a huddle, encouraging teammates, or reminding everyone to focus on the next possession—can prevent emotions from spiraling.
“In tough moments, somebody has to slow things down,” Reyes said. “That’s leadership. It’s not about yelling or pointing fingers. It’s about bringing everyone back to the task at hand.”
League officials have also reiterated their stance on maintaining order during games. While physical play is expected, behavior deemed unsportsmanlike will continue to be penalized. The league has emphasized that respect for officials and opponents is non-negotiable, regardless of the intensity of competition.
As the season progresses, attention will remain on how BGR responds to these reminders. The team’s passion is undeniable, and Reyes believes that passion can be a major asset if properly controlled. Channeled the right way, it can fuel defensive stops, fast breaks, and clutch performances. Left unchecked, it can just as easily lead to costly mistakes.
“The goal isn’t to take away their edge,” Reyes said. “It’s to help them use it wisely.”
In a sport where pressure is constant and emotions are always close to the surface, Reyes’ message carries weight. Games are often won not by the loudest reactions, but by the calmest decisions. For BGR, learning to balance fire with focus may ultimately determine how far the team can go.

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