During Adamson University’s buildup to UAAP Season 86, Vince Reyes was seen as one of the pillars of the Baby Falcons’ drive.
However, the 19-year-old product of System Plus Computer College struggled during the preseason and it extended into the first two games of the tournament.
The Grade 12 big man was averaging just 6.33 points and 6.33 rebounds to start the season, down from his norms of 13.06 points and 7.38 rebounds a year ago.
Still, Baby Falcons head coach Mike Fermin never lost fate in Reyes.
“Si Vince kasi usapan namin, patay na e. Preseason at last two games, sama ng nilalaro,” admitted Fermin.
“Sabi ko, we need to wake him up and lift his spirits.”
Fermin gave his senior a stern test on Saturday — defending National University Nazareth School’s Collins Akowe.
Despite having a seven-inch height disadvantage, the 6-foot-3 Reyes did his darndest in defending the Nigerian center.
“Talagang nag-focus lang kami sa sinabi ng coaches namin at sa gameplan nila. Pinagkuhaan ko lang yung bad games ko at sinabi ko lang na babawi ako,” said Reyes.
“May gameplan talaga kami na gagawin sa kanya at inulit-ulit namin yun sa training. Alam namin na hindi namin ma-zezero siya pero kaya naman siya madepensahan.”
Akowe still ended up with numbers of 20 points, 28 rebounds, and six blocks.
But he was ineffective in the final frame, giving the Baby Falcons a 63-59 victory to gain solo lead.
Reyes himself broke out of his slump, finishing with 11 points and nine rebounds.
Definitely, it brought his spirits up.
“Usapan start namin siya and who knows? Baka maganda yung laruin and he did. Ayun, salamat naman na maganda yung nilaro,” shared Fermin.
“Nagdadasal lang talaga ako. Lahat naman tayo nadodown pero pinaghuhugutan ko lang yung pamilya ko at yung pangarap ko,” Reyes added.
“Sobrang saya po namin pero hindi pa po dito natatapos.”
