Kurt Reyson Shines in Debut PBA Game for Meralco Bolts Despite Team Injuries
Kurt Reyson couldn’t have chosen a better time to make his PBA debut for the Meralco Bolts. With the team struggling due to a depleted roster, the addition of the rookie guard from Letran was a much-needed boost in their Commissioner’s Cup campaign.
Standing at 5-foot-10, Reyson made his first appearance against Blackwater, although Meralco suffered their first conference loss, 114-98. Reyson contributed seven points in seven minutes, including an impressive four-point play in his very first PBA outing.
Despite his promising start, Reyson admitted to feeling the pressure, committing four turnovers. “May pressure talaga,” he said. “Hindi ko pa totally alam yung plays nila kaya medyo naguguluhan pa ako.”
Reyson had only two days of practice with Meralco after winning a championship with the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the MPBL. “One day rest lang after the championship and then diretso na ako sa ensayo nila,” he explained. “Isang ensayo lang yun na totally practice, kasi yung last puro shooting lang yun, wala yung mga plays.”
Reyson’s arrival was a welcome addition for Meralco (3-1), who have been plagued by injuries to key players like Raymond Almazan, Chris Banchero, Allein Maliksi, Brandon Bates, Jolo Mendoza, rookie CJ Cansino, and import DJ Kennedy. This situation forced the team to play all-Filipino against Blackwater. Guard Bong Quinto also played through a knee injury, while original import Akil Mitchell is recovering from a broken nose.
“Sinabihan ako nila coach Nenad (Vucinic) na ia-activate ako kasi ang dami ring injury sa team,” said Reyson, a key player in Letran’s three consecutive NCAA men’s basketball championships from 2019-2022.
The rookie guard is determined to improve as he becomes more familiar with his Meralco teammates.
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