MANILA, Philippines — Most young talented Filipino basketball players are bringing their act abroad somewhere in Asia or beyond for greener pastures.
Young gun Tyler Reyes, a promising 6-foot-8 teenager from the De La Salle-Zobel high school, is one of those who are dreaming to play not only in the pro leagues in Japan, South Korea, and Australia but also in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
The 15-year-old son of former Philippine Basketball Association player 6-foot-7 Jay-R Reyes wants to become the first ever homegrown Filipino to play in the NBA.
“My goal alongside many other young players is to play in the NBA but keeping other options to be able to play in another next level leagues like the Japanese B. League, National Basketball League (NBL) or Korean Basketball League (KBL) is something I aspire to be able to do,” Reyes said.
There are many young players who are now playing abroad like Kai Sotto, AJ Edu, and Dwight Ramos in Japan B. League, and Carl Tamayo in the KBL.
Tyler, whose mother is former University of the Philippines volleyball player Jen Ablan-Reyes, is a natural big man with a decent touch beyond the arc who idolizes Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, Luka Doncic, and Kyrie Irving.
“I am more than willing to give my NBA dream a shot in the future if the opportunity presents itself,” he said.
“I do have a plan to get a college scholarship in the US to be able to play in the US NCAA alongside many of the nations recognized greatest players and for a free education.”
Speaking of getting a US college scholarship, Tyler knew the path of making it a reality is not easy. Like his younger sister Tiffany, he is also currently in Cincinnati, US attending basketball clinics to improve more his skills sets mentally and physically.
Aside from improving his individual skills, Tyler is also eyeing to improve his handles, defense, and decision makings inside the court to turn to a total package in the US after his stints in the Junior Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League and University Athletic Association of the Philippines Jr.
“I prepare, and train myself in all aspects – physically, mentally, and spiritually,” he said.