By Olivia Nerpouni
Tiffany Anne Ablan Reyes is a young athletic star who is already being recognized both locally and internationally for her impressive skill set in Philippine basketball. Whether she is competing in national tournaments, playing for her school team, or making history with the Gilas Pilipinas U18 squad, 14-year-old Tiffany is proving that age is just a number when it comes to talent. Originally from Muntinlupa City, Tiffany comes from an athletic family with deep ties to the world of sports – her father, Jayr Reyes, played for the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, and her mother, Jennifer Anne Ablan-Reyes, is a former UP volleyball player. From a young age, Tiffany’s exposure to basketball came mostly from her father’s professional career. Watching him play sparked her love for the game, and by the time she was just three years old, Tiffany was already immersed in the world of basketball.
Tiffany is often compared to her father due to her ability to play the inside position on the court. Like her dad, she can dominate the paint with her 5’11’’ stature, however, what truly sets Tiffany apart is her impressive guard skills. Despite her height, which is considered tall for her age, Tiffany’s ball handling and court vision are truly remarkable. She is known for her agility and ability to change direction quickly, surprising defenders who expect a player of her size to be more stationary. This versatility makes Tiffany a threat from multiple positions; she can attack the rim with power, but she is also deadly from a long range, capable of hitting deep three-pointers with ease. She is a complete player, combining the physicality of an inside scorer with the finesse and skill set of a guard. It is this unique blend that makes her such a dangerous presence on the court.
Even though she is one of the youngest players on her teams, Tiffany has consistently shown that age is no barrier to success. For instance, she has played for the Jr. Lady Archers in the WNCAA 18U division, the Muntinlupa Division in the 18U category, and for team Muntinlupa in the NCR Palaro 18U, competing against much older players. In all of these tournaments, Tiffany’s skills and maturity have allowed her to stand out. In fact, she was even named MVP and Champion of the Young Queenz 3×3 14U tournament, where her performance turned heads and showcased her ability to compete at a high level against players her age and older. Her success in other local tournaments, like the British School Manila Basketball Tournament 15U and the Inter Scholastic Sports Association 14U Division, has also caused many coaches and fans to take note of her impressive performances.
One of Tiffany’s most significant accomplishments 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, Tiffany was the youngest player on the roster, but she held her own during the SEABA Qualifiers for the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup in Thailand. Her contributions to the tournament were invaluable – Tiffany played a key role in the team’s defense, hustle, and scoring, particularly from beyond the arc. In the final game against Indonesia, she sank three consecutive three-pointers, finishing with 9 points and helping Gilas sweep the tournament. Because of Tiffany’s efforts, the team secured a spot in the Division B of the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup in China.
Already competing at the highest levels in local, regional, and international competitions, Tiffany Anne Ablan Reyes is set to become one of the future stars of Philippine basketball. Currently training in the United States, Tiffany is sharpening her skills under the guidance of some of the best in the business. As she continues to gain valuable experience, the sky is the limit for this young phenomenon. Fans of the sport, both in the Philippines and around the world, should keep an eye on Tiffany – because the rising star is ready to make her name known.
