Despite an impressive debut, Kaohsiung Truth of the ASEAN Basketball League have decided not to extend ASEAN Heritage Import Mikee Reyes’ one-day contract to a season-long deal, Reyes confirmed.
The 5-foot-8 point guard from Antipolo brought immediate impact to the Taiwan-based squad, pouring in 14 points in his debut where he carried the load early in their match against Alab Pilipinas last Sunday, which they lost, 91-82.
But despite his stellar play, the neophyte club team still decided not to sign Reyes for a long-term deal and have let go of the University of the Philippines alumnus.
“Actually, they didn’t tell me,” Reyes told Tiebreaker Times Tuesday night regarding the unfortunate news, admitting that there had been no formal message from the team about the case of his tenure.
“Sunday night, [Truth head coach] Coach Tryston [Lawrence] told me that he doesn’t have control on player movements. And then he said that he’ll let me know [extension] before they leave Monday night. So I said OK. Coach Tryston even told me ‘I’m gonna back you up’.”
“So Monday, kahapon, I was waiting lang. I was waiting for their call. It didn’t come talaga. It didn’t come at all. And I knew that their flight was 11 PM. They didn’t contact me, so sabi ko baka ‘di nag-work out,” the 26-year-old floor general shared.
But regardless of what happened, Reyes is still thankful for the opportunity Kaohsiung have given him, even if it was just for a single game.
“Basta I’m thankful to Kaohsiung pa rin for the opportunity. No hard feelings towards them. They just went with what they feel is for the betterment of their team,” said Reyes.
After his short-lived stint in the Southeast Asian pro league, Reyes will be back as the resident analyst for the ABL. But if ever the opportunity to play as an import — not just again for Kaohsiung but for any other clubs — shows up once more, he will suit up.
“I’ll be more than ready next time,” he vowed.
