By Olivia Nerpouni
At just 14 years old, Tiffany Reyes is already making a name for herself in the world of basketball. A rising star with a unique combination of raw talent and incredible work ethic, Tiffany’s basketball pedigree would make any sports enthusiast sit up and take notice. Born to a family with deep athletic roots, Tiffany has been set up for greatness – but her journey is only beginning.
Tiffany Anne Ablan Reyes for the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s U18 National Team via Instagram
Tiffany grew up in Ortigas, Pasig City and currently resides in Sucat, Muntinlupa City, where she is already earning recognition for her athletic abilities across the Philippines. She is the daughter of Jayr Reyes, a former center for the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, and Jennifer Ann Ablan-Reyes, a former UP volleyball player. Her older brother, Tyler Reyes, also plays for De La Salle Zobel, completing a family that lives and breathes sports – it is no surprise that Tiffany gravitated toward basketball at such a young age. From as early as three years old, Tiffany could be found watching her father play professional basketball, absorbing the fundamentals of the game and developing a love for the sport. Raised in an environment where athletics were always a priority, Tiffany’s passion for basketball was nurtured from the start.
At 5’11’’, Tiffany is tall for her age, and her impressive stature has earned her comparisons to her father, particularly for her strong inside game. But do not let her size fool you; Tiffany is not just a traditional post player. She has the agility and versatility of a guard, a rare combination for someone of her height. Her ball-handling is top-notch, and she can run the floor like a seasoned point guard, easily weaving through defenders of all shapes and sizes. She is also a long-range threat, with a shooting range that extends well beyond the arc, making her a dangerous weapon from deeper on the court. This diverse skill set means Tiffany is not confined to one role on the court – she can play multiple positions, and her adaptability is one of the reasons she stands out among her peers.
Tiffany prepares to take her famous 3-point shot from beyond the arc
Despite being one of the youngest players in many of her competitions, Tiffany has excelled at every turn. Her breakout moment came in May 2024 when she made history by being selected for the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s U18 National Team at just 13 years old. This is an extraordinary accomplishment for a player of her age, giving her the opportunity to travel and learn more about the game with a group of older girls who could help her improve. Tiffany’s impact on the team was great – in a memorable performance against Indonesia she scored 9 points from the 3-point range, helping her team sweep the tournament and secure a spot at the FIBA U18 Women’s Cup in China. Her contributions were crucial to the team’s success, especially on defense and outside shooting. This performance solidified Tiffany’s reputation as one of the brightest young talents in Philippine basketball, with many predicting she will be a key player for the national team in the months to come.
Not content with resting in the off-season, Tiffany actively works to elevate her game throughout the year. Currently, she is training in the United States, where she is sharpening her skills under the guidance of some of the best in the business. Tiffany is working closely with Coach Dante Harlan, the Player Development Director of 3rd Eye Basketball, who has helped develop numerous successful Filipino players, including NBA prospect Kai Sotto. Coach Harlan is refining Tiffany’s decision-making, ball-handling, and outside shooting, with a focus on developing her into an elite point guard. In addition to her on-court development, Tiffany is also training under Christopher “CT” Thomas, founder of One World Dominator, who emphasizes mental toughness and physical conditioning for athletes. With Thomas’ experience working with NBA legends like Kobe Bryant, Tiffany is learning how to maintain the mindset of a champion while pushing her physical limits. Strength and agility are also key areas of focus – Tiffany is working with Coach Ivan at Athletic Republic to ensure her body is in top condition. This combination of mental training and physical conditioning is setting Tiffany up to be a well-rounded player ready to compete at the highest level.
Tiffany Reyes is a symbol of dedication, hard work, and the future of Philippine basketball. With strong family support and a commitment to improving, Tiffany is destined for greatness. Stay tuned, because this young star is only getting started!
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