Even before the spotlight found her, Tiffany Reyes was already living inside the game of basketball. Not chasing buzzer-beaters, but learning, watching, listening, and playing. Today, the 15-year-old from Muntinlupa City is one of the most promising young talents in Philippine basketball, with recognition both at home and overseas.
Reyes’ rising career is the product of environment, discipline, and an understanding of the game’s demands. She comes from an athletic household where sports were treated as a way of life. Her father, Jayr Reyes, spent years playing Philippine basketball and represented the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons. Her mother, Jen Reyes, also competed at a high level as a former UP volleyball player. This meant that sports entered Tiffany’s life almost as soon as she could walk. Basketball was introduced through proximity, and Reyes loved being around it, seeing it, and feeling its impact.
“Ever since I was around 3 years old, I would watch my dad’s basketball games when he was playing in the professional league. When he didn’t have games and we would just be at home, I would ask my dad to play basketball with me outside. I think that’s what made me fall in love with the game and take it seriously,” Reyes reflects.
Over time, her love for the game turned into a bigger purpose. Reyes wanted to understand the game even more deeply. Her parents encouraged her to enjoy basketball, stay confident, and never stop learning. That growth mindset is now one of her defining traits.
At the FIBA U16 Women’s Asia Cup 2025 in Malaysia, Reyes was part of a Gilas Girls squad playing in the highest level of youth competition in Asia. Against Korea, one of the region’s most established programs, she shot a mid-range jumper at the buzzer that secured a 77-75 victory, the program’s first-ever win in Division A. It happened on her birthday, but to Reyes, the moment was one possession executed correctly as the result of trust in her training and teammates.
At this game, Reyes proved she could compete under pressure against elite competition. For Philippine women’s basketball, it was a glimpse of what the next generation could look like. It also pushed Reyes to follow through with one of the most challenging moves a young athlete can make: leaving home to pursue development abroad.
After playing for De La Salle-Zobel, Reyes transitioned to the United States, stepping into a faster and more physical environment. The move for Reyes was far from easy. “My experience transitioning from Manila to the States was a big change for me, especially getting to know new people and the culture was an experience I have never had before,” she shares.
In the U.S., the basketball pace felt quicker. Reyes noticed immediately that every player was fighting for minutes and respect. She even entered the AAU circuit, joining the West Virginia Thunder UAA program after accepting their invitation in September of 2024. For players with Division I NCAA aspirations, AAU basketball is both exposure and trial by fire. Games come fast and there is little room to coast.
Physically, she continues to improve. Reyes has been intentional about strengthening her body and mental toughness. A few months ago, she trained in Cincinnati under coach Dante Harlan, known for developing Filipino athletes like Kai Sotto, Jack Animam, and Sage Tolentino. Back in the Philippines, Reyes continues to train with skills coach Paolo Gorospe, ensuring her fundamentals remain solid while her game expands.
“I am currently working on my confidence, being more aggressive playing on both ends and just getting better everyday and working,” she says.
Despite the growing attention around her name, Reyes understands that careers are built over time. To her, basketball is still meant to be enjoyed and learned. At just 15, Tiffany Reyes has international experience and a growing presence in U.S. basketball. Whether that path leads to Division I college basketball, future Gilas teams, or other, it is still unclear.
For basketball fans watching closely, Reyes represents the quiet rise of a player who understands that greatness is built gradually.
