By Olivia Nerpouni

Born in the Medical City of Ortigas, Pasig City, Tiffany Reyes is the daughter of former University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons center Jay-R Reyes and former UP volleyball player Jen Ablan-Reyes. Now a 14-year-old basketball prodigy, Tiffany plays guard and forward for De La Salle Zobel High School as well as for several high-level teams both in the Philippines and internationally. Despite her young age, Tiffany has proven that the statistic is no barrier to excellence, as she continues to gain attention for her impressive skills, work ethic, and potential for the future.

Tiffany Anne Ablan Reyes works the court during a tournament game

Growing up in an athletic family, Tiffany’s love for basketball started from a young age. Her father’s success in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and her mother’s background in volleyball undoubtedly influenced Tiffany’s passion for sports. Tiffany’s athletic lineage even includes her older brother, Tyler Reyes, who plays for De La Salle Zobel. The Reyes siblings share a deep love for basketball, and Tyler’s presence on the court has likely served as both a motivator and source of inspiration for Tiffany.

Tiffany’s rise to prominence as a basketball player comes down to her natural talent and ability to excel on the court despite her youth. Standing at 5’11’, Tiffany is considered tall for her age, though not exceptionally tall for basketball. However, her height is just one of the many attributes that make her an exciting prospect; Tiffany has developed a versatile game that allows her to play both guard and forward positions effectively. Her basketball IQ, ball-handling skills, and ability to shoot from long range set her apart from many of her peers. Her court vision allows her to see plays unfold before they happen, and she has an uncanny ability to control the tempo of a game. Whether she is attacking the rim or hitting three-pointers, Tiffany’s shooting touch is one of her standout qualities. Even though she is one of the youngest players on the court, Tiffany has shown that age does not determine her impact on the game. Competing with older and more experienced players in national tournaments has allowed Tiffany to sharpen her skills and develop a deeper understanding of the game.

Tiffany shows off her speed on the court

Tiffany’s big break came in May 2024 when she was selected to join the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s U18 National Team for the SEABA Qualifiers of the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup in Thailand. At just 13 years old, she was the youngest member of the roster, yet she played an important role in securing the team’s spot in the Division B FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup in China. Throughout the tournament, Tiffany demonstrated her defensive prowess and hustle, while also contributing offensively. In the final game against Indonesia, Tiffany hit multiple three-pointers, finishing as the team’s second-highest scorer with 9 points.

In addition to her success with the Gilas U18 team, Tiffany is taking her development to the next level by training in the United States. Working with some of the best coaches in the basketball world, Tiffany is sharpening her skills in preparation for a future in elite basketball. Under the supervision of Coach Dante Harlan, the Player Development Director at 3rd Eye Basketball, Tiffany is perfecting her decision-making and ball-handling to develop her into an elite point guard. Her training also includes mental and physical conditioning with Christopher “CT” Thomas, the founder of One World Dominator, who has worked with NBA legends like Kobe Bryant.

As she continues to develop her game, Tiffany’s potential is limitless. With a combination of natural talent, work ethic, and determination, she is prepared for greatness both domestically and internationally. Keep an eye out for Tiffany’s name as she aims to make her mark in professional basketball.