Since his entry to the Philippine basketball scene, Ryan Reyes has been constantly eyed for the national team, although injuries would derail his appearances.
Reyes was part of the 2009 Powerade team pool under coach Yeng Guiao, although he did not make the final cut for the 2009 FIBA Asia Championship.
Rajko Toroman of Smart-Gilas I would also reach out to Reyes although the latter wouldn’t be available.
Now back in national colors and with a chance to represent the country in a huge stage, Reyes hopes to stay healthy to contribute.
“It is always an honor to be selected or mentioned or to be picked. Unfortunately the past years I had all that stuff, some injuries and pains and I was not a hundred percent to play. I wouldn’t think I could help the team then,” Reyes said.
“But now I am healthy, and I will try to stay healthy to do something, whatever coach tells me to do or my role for the team.”
In the squad’s first practice session at the Meralco Gym Monday night, Reyes focused on getting a feel of the atmosphere.
“It was more of knowing he guys today, coach (Tab Baldwin) implementing what he wants to get done, goals, and we would be running,” Reyes shared.
“Basically it is all the building and starting from the bottom. We are taking it step by step. It looks good, we have the right players from what the coaches see, and we just got to work from there.”
More than anything else, Reyes wants to prove his worth with the pool whether he is chosen to be part of the final roster or not. His main goal is to make his head coach, Tab Baldwin, proud.
“We are all chosen for a reason. We just have to work hard on those specific skills. We have to give what we give on the court, coach expects a lot from us and we have to work hard and make him proud,” he said.
Photo by PBA Images
