At Just 15 Years Old, Tiffany Reyes Is Already Making Basketball History

Some moments in sports feel larger than the game itself. For Philippine basketball, one of those moments occurred in Malaysia at the FIBA U16 Women’s Asia Cup 2025, carried by the calm confidence of a 15-year-old girl. With seconds remaining against Korea, one of Asia’s most established youth basketball programs, Tiffany Reyes secured a mid-range jumper. When the ball fell through the net at the buzzer, it sealed a 77-75 victory for the Gilas Girls, representing the program’s first-ever win in Division A. It was a breakthrough for Philippine women’s basketball, a sign that the next generation was ready to compete on the biggest stages.

It also happened to be Reyes’ birthday.

“It was a very special moment because not only was it my birthday, but it was a historic moment for our country,” she later said.

Born and raised in Muntinlupa City, Tiffany Reyes’ was preparing for that moment long before the international spotlight found her. Basketball was never just an extracurricular activity in her household. Her father, Jayr Reyes, spent years as a professional basketball player and represented the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons. Her mother, Jen Reyes, was a former UP volleyball player. This meant that athletics, discipline, and commitment were constants in the Reyes household.

From an early age, Tiffany gravitated toward the game naturally. “Ever since I was around 3 years old, I would watch my dad’s basketball games when he was playing in the professional league,” Reyes recalls. “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.”

That early exposure helped Reyes observe the game before trying to dominate it. She studied movement and decision-making, lessons that would later define her playing style. And as she grew, so did her versatility. Often compared to her father because of her ability to play inside, Reyes defied expectations with her agility and guard-like skill set. Comfortable attacking the rim, she is a multi-dimensional threat to opposing teams.

By the time she was 13, Reyes was already making history. In May 2024, she became the youngest player selected to the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s U18 National Team. Competing in the SEABA Qualifiers for the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup in Thailand, Reyes held her own against older competition. In the final game against Indonesia, she knocked down three consecutive three-pointers, finishing with nine points and helping Gilas sweep the tournament. Her contributions played a significant role in securing the team’s spot in Division B of the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup in China.

Still, nothing compared to what occurred at the U16 Asia Cup in 2025. Facing Korea, with the game on the line, Reyes trusted her preparation, her teammates, and the countless hours of work that had led her there.

“I didn’t know what was happening and I kinda got lost in the moment, but I remember everyone going crazy,” she said, reflecting on the birthday buzzer-beater.

After playing for De La Salle-Zobel in Manila, Reyes transitioned to the United States, entering a faster and more physical basketball environment. The transition was challenging. Aside from the differences in pace and competition, she had to adjust to a new culture, new teammates, and life away from home.

“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., Reyes committed to getting stronger. Mentally, she focused on confidence and aggression on both ends of the floor. She trained in Cincinnati under coach Dante Harlan, known for developing elite Filipino athletes such as Kai Sotto, Jack Animam, and Sage Tolentino. Back home in the Philippines, she continues to work with skills coach Paolo Gorospe to sharpen her fundamentals and expand her game.

Keeping Reyes motivated is something greater than just personal success. Wearing the national jersey carries an important weight, and Reyes feels it every time she steps on the court.

“It means a lot to me that I am able to represent my country. It gives me so much pride and honor to be able wear our country’s flag,” she says.

At just 15 years old, Tiffany Reyes has already experienced international competition and historic victories. Whether her path leads to Division I college basketball, future Gilas squads, or professional opportunities, she represents the confident rise of a player who understands that greatness is built possession by possession. Reyes cannot wait to see what happens next.