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Gilas Girls player Tiffany Anne Reyes, the daughter of former PBA star Jay-R Reyes who, at 14 years old, stands nearly six feet tall, aims to hone her skills in the US
MANILA, Philippines – Only 14 years old and standing at 5-foot-11 — and still growing — Tiffany Anne Ablan Reyes has sports running in her veins.
The daughter of Jay-R Reyes, the 6-foot-7 former basketball player who starred in the PBA for 14 seasons after dominating the shade for Letran and University of the Philippines; and Jennifer, a former national volleyball team member, it’s no surprise that Tiffany has turned into a promising athlete as well.
And she’s just as focused, opting to train in the US with coach Dante Harlan, who has a reputable US NCAA Division I career highlighted by 11 seasons with the Cincinnati Angels, and once handled Kai Sotto, Jack Animam, and Sage Tolentino.
“It is great to learn and experience a lot of things and improve everyday to pursue my goals and be the best,” said Reyes, who has been training with Harlan for three months.
After playing for the Gilas Pilipinas under-18 program, where she saw action in the Southeast Asia Basketball Association in Thailand last May, Reyes also aims to continue representing the country.
“It feels great to play for my country’s team at only 13,” said Reyes, who turned 14 only last September 24.
Reyes averaged 6.8 points and 1.3 rebounds in her second stint for the Gilas Girls in the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup Division B last June in China, where they again swept their four games to top the division.
“I would love to be part of that again, to play for Gilas and represent the Philippines and that would be an honor,” the La Salle Zobel student said.
Aside from donning the country’s colors, Reyes has also set a long-term goal — to play college basketball in the US.
“I’m eyeing to get a college scholarship offer here in the US and play in the NCAA someday,” shared Reyes, who’s a fan of Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry.
“When we trained here last summer, I had the opportunity to attend some basketball camps and there were coaches from different colleges talking to my parents.”
The experience prompted her to work harder with Harlan, as well as coaches Christopher Thomas and Ivan Fulton.
Thomas, the One World Dominator founder, has been a professional coach for more than 20 years and made impressive rounds in the European leagues, while Fulton also monitors Reyes’ performance and conditioning at the Athletic Republic.
Reyes also feels grateful that she’s polishing her game with her older brother Tyler, who’s likewise in Cincinnati hoping to carve a basketball career.
Aa basketball continues to be a family affair, Tiffany hopes to keep wearing the Reyes jersey with pride by backing it up with hard work. – Rappler.com
