Jai ready to take big shot

Jai Reyes, the little big man of Ateneo, has taken on a new role for his team in the 71st UAAP season.

And he’s enjoying it.

“Last year, coach Norman (Black) relied more on me in scoring,” said the 21-year-old Reyes, in his fourth year with the Blue Eagles, but still eligible to play one more year if he wants to.

Reyes, who started in 11 of 14 games for Ateneo in the elims, has given up his option to shoot this year, instead focusing on keeping his team together each time he’s on the court.

“This year there’s been a little bit of sacrifice. I’m trying to be the leader of the team out there, the extension of coach Norman,” said Reyes, who comes from a family of ballplayers.

His father, Len, is the brother of former Eagle and PBA champion coach Chot Reyes. Two other uncles are also deep into the sport – Gilbert (who played in the UAAP and PBA) and Billy (UAAP).

“My role now has been more of a facilitator and trying to get the ball to Chris (Tiu), Rabeh (Al-Hussaini) and Eric (Salamat). It’s been an adjustment for me,” said Reyes.

At 5-foot-7, Reyes is the smallest in the Ateneo lineup this year.

But that doesn’t mean he can’t play defense, too.

Two weeks ago, he held La Salle’s chief gunner, JV Casio, to a measly five points on a 2-of-16 shooting. In that game, the La Salle hotshot was held scoreless in the first three quarters.

“Jai Reyes did a pretty good job defensively. I never expected that in the sense that Casio averages 19 points a game,” said the defensive-minded Ateneo coach. 

“He wants me to play tougher defensively. In the finals that’s what I have to do,” said Reyes.

Reyes, who had a career-high of 18 points in a game against La Salle last year, went three-of-four from the three-point area against the Green Archers two weeks ago.

Of course, he wouldn’t hesitate taking the big shots in the finals – if needed, when needed.

“This is what we’ve been preparing for. Yes, I’m ready,” he said.