LA Revilla being ruled out of the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup due to a foot injury has prompted Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters head coach Louie Alas and his staff to search for somebody who can fill in the point guard position.
The outspoken mentor revealed the plan after Phoenix beat NorthPort last Wednesday. He did not name anyone specific, though he said that one of them is playing in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
“Mayroon, pero may team sa MPBL. Sana, sana. Subukan naming offeran nang per-conference,” Alas said.
‘The one’ turned out to be Jai Reyes, who’s currently with the Bataan Risers.
It has been a long while since Reyes – who actually retired from playing ball, but returned just a year ago – last set foot in the PBA. The 5-foot-7 guard last played in Asia’s pioneering pro league at around 2016, with TNT KaTropa.
Phoenix had made an offer to Reyes already, but they did not reach an agreement.
The 32-year-old respectfully declined the offer, as he wants to stay in the regional semi-pro league. He has been in the MPBL since 2018, and played for two teams – Laguna and Navotas – before going to Bataan.
“I’d want to fulfill my commitment sa Bataan,” Reyes told Tiebreaker Times.
“The best players are still playing in the PBA. But the MPBL is very exciting because of the rapid growth of the crowds. That’s what I really like about the MPBL,” added Reyes, the 18th pick in the 2010 PBA Draft by the Powerade Tigers.
Still, Reyes is grateful for Phoenix’s offer, saying “I’m very thankful for it.”
But even if he has said no to the Fuel Masters – who currently carry a 3-4 win-loss record in the mid-season conference – the celebrated Ateneo product is not and will not be closing his doors for a possible return to the PBA.
“No, of course not.”
