Jay-R Reyes (Photo courtesy of PBA)
MANILA – Veteran center Jay-R Reyes is calling it a career after 14 years in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and 20 in total counting his amateur days.
"Twenty years, 10 teams, 1 love. It has been a truly blessing to be able to devote more than half of my life to my first love. Now, I am officially announcing my retirement from basketball," the six-foot-seven center said in a statement on Saturday.
Reyes first played for Letran in the National Collegiate Athletic Association juniors division before joining University of the Philippines for college in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
He was among three players directly elevated by Rain Or Shine from its Philippine Basketball League team to the PBA when it bought the franchise formerly owned by Shell in 2006.
Although the Elasto Painters, then known as the Welcoat Dragons, struggled in their PBA debut, Reyes had solid numbers of 12.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 0.5 steal per game en route to All-Rookie Team honors in 2007.
The 2009 All-Star and Mythical Second Team member would go on to capture four PBA titles from 2015-2017, all with San Miguel.
However, he was sent to the Terrafirma Dyip as part of the controversial trade which handed the Beermen the No. 1 pick of the 2017 PBA Draft, which became Christian Standhardinger.
Reyes last played for Phoenix during the Philippine Cup bubble in Angeles last year, averaging 1.5 points, 1.3 rebounds, 0.6 assist, 0.5 steal, and 0.3 block a game in eight outings.
Reyes was a one-time member of the national team, joining the Chot Reyes mentored Gilas Pilipinas team that won the 2012 Jones Cup title in Taipei.
"[I'm] excited for what God has in store for me and my family in the coming seasons. I may be turning over my jersey, but my love for ball will always be in my heart," Reyes further said as he is formally "signing off" from the PBA.
He thanked God, his family, friends, teammates, fans, and the team officials for making his career a colorful one. (PNA)
