Jay-R Reyes retires from PBA

Jay-R Reyes, seen here guarding Bradwyn Guinto, is calling it a career after 14 seasons in the PBA. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—After two decades of playing basketball dating back to his high school days, Jay-R Reyes has called it a career.

"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," Reyes said on Saturday.

Reyes first played for Letran in the NCAA juniors division before joining University of the Philippines for college in the UAAP.

He was among three players directly elevated by Rain Or Shine from its PBL 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 number one 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.

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