FILBASKET Founder Jai Reyes revitalized his pro career by signing a one-tournament contract with the KL Aseel in the Major Basketball League-Malaysia.
Former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroon Jun Manzo will be playing alongside Reyes in Kuala Lumpur.
“I’m very excited to be playing professionally again, especially this is the first time that I’m back playing after the pandemic and not only that, I’m back in the professional international basketball scene” Jai Reyes said.
He last played for the Saigon Heat in 2012 and 2013 and first basketball tournament since the Chooks-to-Go 3×3 in Laguna, where his team the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards placed second.
“The opportunity came about when the Filbasket International Championship ended right before Halloween, and KL Aseel’s owner and I explored that maybe I could play for his team in the upcoming Major Basketball League here in Malaysia since they are allowing imports already,” he said.
“We’ll also be exploring how and when we can bring the tournament back here, of course with a better offering for the crowd, and stronger teams,” he added.
Reyes was a two-time University Athletic Association of the Philippines champion and 2005 Rookie of the Year with Ateneo.
“I’m so thankful to KL Aseel’s owner Mr. Kwan and his family, for inviting me to play and we hope to represent the Philippines well here, because I’m not the only Filipino playing in this tournament. I’m just so happy to be back in action,” he added.
KL Aseel will play its first game on Thursday against the Sunrise Youngsters at the MABA Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.