The moment Kurt Reyson started shooting the lights out in Letran College’s first game in Season 98 National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament, he instantly became one of its key pieces for the school’s three-peat bid.
Reyson erupted back then for a career-high 31 points for the Knights against Jose Rizal University last 14 September behind a 9-of-14 shooting and 6-of-8 from three-point country.
Since then, Letran head coach Bonnie Tan has given the third-year guard from Davao Occidental the green light to shoot at will.
Speaking after the Knights’ practice last Friday, Reyson said the first-round encounter against the Heavy Bombers really did wonders for him.
“That first game against JRU really boosted my confidence. In the first game, I realized I can hit that kind of shot,” said Reyson, a former Letran Squire.
“I’m thankful to coach Bonnie for the chance he gave me since I wasn’t usually like this. The trust is there so I just need to keep it up.”
Reyson is the fourth-best player for Letran this season after averaging 10.56 points, 4.17 rebounds and 2.06 assists in the elimination round in a squad that has the likes of Fran Yu, Brent Paraiso, Louis Sangalang and King Caralipio.
The Knights will be facing College of Saint Benilde today at 3 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Against the Blazers, Reyson said he’s ready for the bigger responsibility as they go for a rare three-peat, something Letran hasn’t pulled off since 1984 behind the skywalking Samboy Lim.
He also said he’s excited to see the large crowd that will cheer them on at the Big Dome.
“I’m going to be on the court and show them how we have become champions in the last two years,” Reyson said.
“For me, it boosts our morale playing with a lot of people. Playing in a bigger stadium and more people, our confidence grows seeing them so we will give our best to get the win.”
