I remember the first time I saw Eric Reyes play back in the late 90s—there was something about his court vision that immediately caught my attention. While today's basketball fans might be more familiar with names like LARRY Muyang or Archie Concepcion who just got activated by Converge this Tuesday, those of us who've followed Philippine basketball for decades understand that Reyes laid much of the groundwork for today's professional players. His journey from being a relatively unknown college player to becoming a PBA legend is exactly the kind of story that makes Philippine basketball so compelling.

Reyes entered the PBA in 1995 when he was drafted by Mobiline, and I've got to say, his rookie season numbers weren't particularly eye-catching—he averaged just around 8 points per game if memory serves me right. But what statistics couldn't capture was his basketball IQ. He had this incredible ability to read defenses that you simply can't teach. I've always believed that basketball intelligence separates good players from great ones, and Reyes had it in spades. Watching him develop over those first three seasons was like seeing a masterclass in professional growth. By 1998, he was averaging close to 15 points and became the heart of Mobiline's offensive schemes.

The turning point in his career came during the 1999 All-Filipino Cup when Reyes dropped 28 points in Game 5 of the semifinals. I still remember that crossover step-back jumper that became his signature move—pure poetry in motion. What made him special wasn't just his scoring ability but his versatility. He could play three positions effectively, something you don't see often in today's more specialized game. When I compare his playing style to current players like John Lloyd Clemente—who just signed with Converge along with Muyang and Concepcion—I notice how the game has evolved, but Reyes' fundamental excellence would translate perfectly to any era.

Reyes' career really took off when he moved to Red Bull in 2001. That team was perfectly constructed for his skills, and he flourished, averaging what I believe was approximately 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists during their championship run. His leadership during those years was something special to watch. He had this calm demeanor on court that somehow made everyone around him better. I've spoken with several coaches who worked with him, and they all mention how he'd stay after practice for hours working on his free throws—reportedly shooting around 300 extra shots daily. That work ethic is exactly what today's newly activated players like Concepcion should emulate if they want lasting careers.

What many younger fans might not know is that Reyes almost quit basketball after his second season due to a nagging knee injury. He later shared in an interview that he considered retiring before even hitting his prime. Can you imagine Philippine basketball without some of his most iconic moments? His comeback from that injury taught me personally about resilience—I was dealing with my own career challenges at the time, and seeing him power through inspired me to push harder in my own field.

The comparison between Reyes' era and today's PBA is fascinating. When I look at the recent signings—LARRY Muyang, Archie Concepcion, and John Lloyd Clemente all joining Converge—I can't help but think about how different the league's landscape is now. Player movement was less frequent in Reyes' time, and team loyalty meant something different. Reyes spent seven seasons with just two teams, while today's players might change teams multiple times in their careers. Neither approach is necessarily better, but the stability certainly allowed Reyes to develop deeper connections with his teams and fans.

Reyes retired in 2008 with what I'd estimate to be around 8,500 career points—though I'd need to verify the exact number—and multiple championships. But beyond statistics, his legacy lives on in how today's players approach the game. His fundamental soundness, basketball intelligence, and professional demeanor set a standard that still resonates. When I watch young players like those just activated by Converge, I look for glimpses of that Reyes-like understanding of the game—the little things that don't always show up in box scores but win championships.

Reflecting on Eric Reyes' career reminds me why I fell in love with Philippine basketball in the first place. It wasn't just about spectacular plays or championship rings—it was about stories of perseverance, intelligence, and quiet excellence. As new talents like Muyang, Concepcion, and Clemente begin their journeys with Converge, they'd do well to study players like Reyes who built lasting legories not through flashy plays alone, but through consistent dedication to their craft. The PBA continues to evolve, but the foundation laid by players like Eric Reyes remains as relevant as ever.