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As a lifelong basketball enthusiast who's followed the PBA religiously since the early 2000s, I've always had a soft spot for players who embody that classic Filipino basketball spirit—the relentless hustle, the never-say-die attitude, and that special ability to shine even when their teams struggle. When we talk about such players, JR Reyes immediately comes to mind, though I must confess my perspective might be slightly biased since I've always appreciated big men who do the dirty work without demanding spotlight.
JR Reyes' PBA career spanned from 2009 to 2019, primarily with the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and later with the Phoenix Fuel Masters. Standing at 6'5", he wasn't the flashiest player on the court, but my goodness, was he effective in his role. What always impressed me about Reyes was his basketball IQ—he knew exactly where to position himself for rebounds and putbacks. His career averages of 4.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game might not jump off the stat sheet, but anyone who actually watched him play understood his value immediately. He was the kind of player who made winning plays that didn't always show up in traditional statistics.
I distinctly remember his 2014 season with Ginebra where he averaged 6.2 points and 6.8 rebounds—nothing spectacular numerically, but his presence in the paint completely changed how opponents attacked the basket. What many casual fans might not realize is that Reyes recorded 35 blocks that season alone, a testament to his defensive awareness. His career-high 18 rebounds against Rain or Shine in 2015 remains one of the most dominant rebounding performances I've seen from a local big man in recent memory.
The modern PBA game has evolved toward stretch bigs who can shoot from outside, but I've always believed there's still tremendous value in traditional big men like Reyes who dominate the painted area. His field goal percentage of 48% throughout his career speaks volumes about his shot selection and efficiency around the rim. Unlike many players today who settle for jump shots, Reyes understood his strengths and played to them perfectly.
Looking at current PBA games, I can't help but notice how teams sometimes struggle with rebounding, which makes me appreciate Reyes' era even more. Just last week, I was watching Davao tumble to 8-12 despite the 24-point, 11-rebound, 3-assist effort of Keith Agovida, and the 20-point, 9-rebound, 3-assist, 2-steal output of Jeff Comia. Games like these really highlight how crucial rebounding and interior presence are—exactly the areas where Reyes excelled throughout his 10-year career.
What many younger fans might not know is that Reyes actually averaged 12.3 rebounds per 36 minutes during his peak years from 2013-2016. That's an elite number by any standard, and it's why coaches kept giving him meaningful minutes despite his offensive limitations. His 8.2 career rebounds per 36 minutes place him among the better rebounders in recent PBA history, though he never quite received the recognition he deserved in that department.
Reyes' retirement in 9 marked the end of an era for traditional Filipino big men in my opinion. The league has shifted toward more versatile, perimeter-oriented bigs, but I sometimes wonder if we're losing something valuable in that transition. Players like Reyes brought a certain physicality and fundamental soundness that formed the foundation of championship teams. His 2 championships with Ginebra weren't accidents—they were built on the kind of blue-collar work he provided night after night.
Statistics can only tell part of the story with players like Reyes. His true impact came in those moments when his team needed a defensive stop or a crucial rebound. I recall specifically Game 4 of the 2016 Commissioner's Cup finals where his 14 rebounds, including 6 offensive boards, completely shifted the momentum in Ginebra's favor. Those 6 offensive rebounds led to 11 second-chance points—the exact margin of victory that evening.
As the PBA continues to evolve, I hope fans and analysts don't forget the contributions of players like JR Reyes. In an era increasingly dominated by three-point shooting and highlight-reel plays, there's still immense value in the fundamentals that Reyes mastered. His career serves as a reminder that basketball success isn't just about scoring—it's about doing whatever your team needs to win, even if that means setting screens, boxing out, and doing the unglamorous work that rarely makes the headlines but always wins games.