Reyes relives glory days

MANILA, Philippines — TNT guard Ryan Reyes is enjoying a rebirth in the PBA and with his contract expiring at the end of this season, the 13-year veteran is hoping for an extension as he prepares to get married to his fiancée, former pro Ed Cordero’s daughter Iris, after the Governors’ Cup.

Reyes, 38, relived his glory days in the recent Philippine Cup finals, scoring in twin digits twice in the series and claiming Best Player honors in Game 4. In the elims, Reyes averaged 3.6 points, shot 39.1 percent from the floor, hit 6-of-16 triples and sank 1-of-2 free throws in 15.1 minutes an outing. In the finals where TNT finished off Magnolia in five games, he averaged seven points, buried 6-of-16 triples (same as in the elims), shot 40.7 percent from the floor and knocked down 7-of-7 foul shots in 18.5 minutes a contest. Reyes has now played on seven title squads, five in the Philippine Cup.

“Feels great winning and being on top again,” said Reyes, whose previous taste of a championship came in 2014-15 or 14 conferences back. “First thing that entered (my mind) is I can go home to Iris and rest up. I’m sure all the guys felt the same. We wanted to be with loved ones after being away almost 11 weeks and banged up since the San Miguel Beer series but just told myself, kaya pa, keep going ‘til we’re champions. All the hard work, sacrifices everyone on the team did, the training camps, the team-building exercises, the extra work put in, it all paid off.”

Reyes credited coach Chot Reyes, the team’s physical therapists and nutritionist Jeaneth Aro for getting him ready for the finals. “I owe it to coach Chot for the trust,” said Reyes, who has led the league in steals thrice. “Defense has always been my focus. It doesn’t matter whom I defend, from one to five, even June Mar Fajardo. The key is anticipation, that’s how I get steals and I think I can still do it. Age is just a number for me.”

Reyes said rookie Mikey Williams’ breakout was timely. “He’s unbelievable, a people person, humble, gets along with everybody,” he said, referring to the Finals MVP. “Mikey just wants to help us win. He’s not looking out for himself, he’s coachable, he’s a team player.” Williams played at California State Fullerton where Reyes tried out for the varsity but didn’t make it. Reyes played for Artesia High School and Cerritos College then attended Fullerton before moving to the PBL and the PBA where he was Sta. Lucia Realty’s first round pick in 2007.