As his arduous journey from elementary to high school draws to a close, Vince Reyes of Adamson University reflects with joy on capping it off with a UAAP title and Mythical Team honors in the recently concluded 2024 Smart-NBTC National Finals.
Throughout the tournament, the 6-foot-3 forward exhibited unwavering dedication on both ends of the floor, boasting an average of 11.4 points and 7.6 rebounds for the Baby Falcons.
Despite falling short of clinching the championship against Fil-Am Nation Select, Reyes expresses profound gratitude for the opportunity to compete on such a grand stage as the NBTC.
“Sobrang saya namin dahil walang naman nage-expect na makapasok kami sa finals, at isip ng mga tao champion na agad yung kalaban namin, yung Fil-Am, kaya lumaban lang kami kahit nahirapan kami, talagang pinilit namin lumaban at ipinakita namin na deserving kami na umabot sa finals,” the 19-year-old shared.
He further acknowledges the significant role of the NBTC in shaping them for collegiate-level competition and asserts that he will carry the lessons learned from the week-long tourney into his college career.
However, like fellow Mythical Team member Tebol Garcia, Reyes revealed that he is currently undecided about his collegiate destination and aims to first complete his high school education.
For the resident of Caloocan City, basketball has been an integral part of his upbringing.
Transitioning from being a varsity player at Systems Plus Computer College, he paved a path that ultimately led him to San Marcelino.
“Nakapag-NCR ako, tapos noong nagka-pandemic, mayroon akong teammate sa Caloocan na nakapasok sa Adamson, si Jio Gonzaga, siya ‘yung nag-recommend sa akin na mag-tryout sa Adamson,” Reyes shared.
Despite finding success at Adamson, Reyes never forgot where he came from.
He continues to be grateful to the teachers and classmates he met at Systems Plus.
Without them, he would not be where he is today.
“Hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan yung time ko dun. Kahit na maliit na school lang kami nun, iba yung samahan. Dala ko pa rin sila kung san ako mapupunta.”
The senior hopes that his remarkable performance during the UAAP Season 86 boys’ finals and the NBTC Finals will continue to pave the way for his eventual collegiate career, wherever it may take him.
