Sta. Lucia Realtors

MOST professional players or even in the amateur ranks are dreaming to become part of the Philippine team.

So do Ryan Reyes.

More than four months after winning the prestigious 2008 rookie of the year award, Sta. Lucia’s playmaker Ryan Reyes achieved another reward when RP team mentor Yeng Guiao selected him in the National Team.

“It is really a great honor to represent your own country,” said Reyes, who was picked by the Realtors in the 2007 rookie draft third overall. “I’m really excited too. It is a great pleasure that coach Yeng (Guiao) wanted me there (in the national team).”

Teammate and reigning MVP Kelly Williams was also tapped to join the national team for the second time. He had already represented the country for the first time, when he played in Tokushima, Japan during the 2007 Olympic Asian qualifying.

“I’m happy that Kelly and I is together in the National team,” said the 25-year-old Reyes, who finished the last Philippine Cup with a 10.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game last season. “I just need to work hard there.”

Being a national player, Reyes said, he is ready to do his best during practices and especially in actual games.

“I’m willing to do anything to help our country to bring pride,” said Reyes, who also led the Sta. Lucia Realtors to Philippine Cup championship last season. “I want to thank coach Boyet (Fernandez) and boss Buddy (Encarnado) for being supportive.”

Reyes, who known not only in scoring but also to his hustle plays, said the practice of the Philippine team is every Monday at the Ynares Sports Center in Pasig City.

Yeng Guiao, the coach of the newly-formed Philippine team, agreed that he likes the 6-foot-1 Reyes because he is a good defensive stopper, can create situation for his teammates, and can score even in crunch time.        

The team is preparing for the coming FIBA Asia World qualifying in September in Guangzhou, China next year.

The other members of the 14-man team aside from Reyes and Williams are Gabe Norwood of Rain or Shine, Jared Dillinger of Talk ‘N Text, Jayjay Helterbrand of Barangay Ginebra, Cyrus Baguio of Red Bull, Mick Pennisi of San Miguel Beer, Asi Taulava of Coca-Cola, James Yap and Kerby Raymundo of Purefoods, Ranidel De Ocampo and Arwind Santos of Air21, and Willie Miller and Sonny Thoss of Alaska.

The Philippine Basketball Team will also see action next year in Southeast Asian Basketball Association Championship (SEABA) in May 2009, which serves as the qualifying event for FIBA-ASIA 2009.

The team might compete in Jones Cup and another short tournament held in the middle east as part of its preparations.