San Beda gains commitment of D2 prospect Jimmy Reyes
The San Beda Red Lions continued to load up on their talent pool by securing the commitment of United States-based Filipino basketball player Jimmy Reyes, team manager Jude Roque confirmed on Friday, April 5.
Reyes is a 23-year-old, 5-foot-10 combo guard who will be eligible for two playing seasons beginning NCAA Season 101, after finishing his one year of residency in 2023 as a transfer from California State University San Bernardino.
The California native played his high school basketball in A.B. Miller High located in Fontana, CA. He started his college career with Saddleback College before transferring to CSUSB, which competes in NCAA Division II.
“He’s a smart guard,” the long-time San Beda manager said of his new recruit.
“He can play the one and two positions. He can shoot plus I like his attitude. He looks to be a hard-working, coachable type of player. We still have to work with him. The way we see it on the surface – he seems like a fine player.”
Reyes is included in San Beda’s line-up for the Pinoy Liga Collegiate Cup offseason tournament but he is only expected to arrive in the Philippines by late June, so his availability will depend on scheduling.
He averaged 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists while shooting 44.5% from the field, 38.7% from deep, and 74.4% from the foul line while playing for Saddleback. In CSUSB, Reyes normed 2 points on nearly 6 minutes a game.
Roque scouted Reyes as early as when he was in high school, but talks only progressed last year after Reyes scored nearly 30 points in a tune-up exhibition game against San Beda’s championship team in Irvine, California.
While Reyes finalizes his residency San Beda will gun for consecutive NCAA men’s basketball titles in Season 100, led by the likes of Brian Sajonia, RC Calimag, James Payosing, Penny Estacio, and the rest of a loaded roster.
One challenge will be navigating the injury of incoming big man Bismarck Lina, who is expected to miss at least the first round of the tournament as he recovers from a partial torn ACL injury.
