KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Filbasket Founder Jai Reyes is continuing his pro career with the Major Basketball League – Malaysia (MBL) after signing a one-tournament contract with the KL Aseel. Former UP Fighting Maroon Jun Manzo will be playing alongside Reyes in Kuala Lumpur.
“I’m very excited to be playing professionally again, especially this is the first time that I’m back playing after the pandemic and not only that, I’m back in the professional international basketball scene.” Jai Reyes said in a short interview.
This will be his first international stint he played for the Saigon Heat in 2012-2013, and first basketball tournament since the Chooks-to-Go 3×3 in Laguna, where his team the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards finished second.
The two-time UAAP Champion and 2005 UAAP Rookie of the Year said he was invited to play in Malaysia through the recent Filbasket International Championship. “The opportunity came about when the Filbasket International Championship ended right before Halloween, and KL Aseel’s owner and I explored that maybe I could play for his team in the upcoming Major Basketball League here in Malaysia since they are allowing imports already. We’ll also be exploring how and when we can bring the tournament back here, of course with a better offering for the crowd, and stronger teams.
“I’m so thankful to KL Aseel’s owner Mr. Kwan and his family, for inviting me to play and we hope to represent the Philippines well here, because I’m not the only Filipino playing in this tournament. I’m just so happy to be back in action.”
Manzo expressed his thoughts on his first international stint: “I’m thankful for this opportunity to play for the KL Aseel team, and I’m looking forward to our games. I hope you are as excited as me. Please give your love and support to our team this season.”
KL Aseel will play their first game on November 17 against the Sunrise Youngsters at the MABA Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.