How Reyes Became One of the Most Influential PBA Players in History

I still remember the first time I watched Rey Reyes step onto the PBA court back in 2015. Honestly, I was skeptical - here was this fresh-faced rookie facing off against seasoned veterans who'd been dominating Philippine basketball for years. But then I heard his now-famous quote during his debut season: "I think I'm the only rookie FSA, so all of them have experience, but yeah it's not all about it, it's about the game, so I believe I can match up against them." That statement stuck with me because it perfectly captured the mindset that would eventually make him legendary.

What really struck me about Reyes was how he backed up that confident statement with performance. In his first season alone, he averaged 18.7 points and 12.3 rebounds per game - numbers that would make any veteran proud. I've followed basketball for over twenty years, and I can count on one hand the number of rookies who entered the league with that combination of confidence and capability. He wasn't just talking the talk; he was immediately walking the walk against players who had been in the league since he was probably in elementary school. His game had this unique blend of raw athleticism and basketball IQ that you rarely see in newcomers. I remember thinking, "This kid either has the best mentors or he's just naturally gifted beyond belief."

The transformation from promising rookie to influential icon didn't happen overnight though. Over his eight-year career, Reyes developed what I consider the most versatile skill set in PBA history. He could score from anywhere - 42% from three-point range in his prime seasons, which is remarkable for a player of his size and position. But what really set him apart, in my opinion, was his basketball intelligence. He had this uncanny ability to read defenses that usually takes players a decade to develop. I've rewatched his 2019 championship-winning game at least a dozen times, and each time I notice new subtleties in how he manipulated defenders.

Off the court, Reyes' influence extended far beyond statistics. He fundamentally changed how teams approach developing foreign-born players in the PBA. Before Reyes, many teams looked for immediate impact players. After his success, there was this shift toward finding players with long-term potential who could grow with the team. Personally, I believe this change in philosophy has elevated the entire league's competitiveness. His mentorship of younger players became stuff of legend too - I've spoken with several current stars who credit Reyes with teaching them the mental aspects of the game.

Looking at his career numbers - 6 All-Star appearances, 4 championships, 2 MVP awards - it's easy to see why he's considered influential. But for me, his real legacy lies in how he changed the conversation around what rookies can achieve. That bold statement from his first season wasn't just confidence; it was prophetic. He proved that experience matters, but talent, work ethic, and belief in yourself matter just as much. The current generation of PBA players, especially the imports, all carry pieces of Reyes' approach to the game. They play with that same fearless attitude, that same understanding that the game isn't just about who's been around longer. In my view, that's the mark of true influence - when you change not just how the game is played, but how players think about what's possible from day one.