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Open letter from Alfonso to his brother Felipe Reyes

Alfonso Reyes

Updated:06/24/2021 01:09h

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Dear Felipón,

The journey begins in October 1998. A long and fruitful journey with a record so extensive that it would occupy all the space I have. Surely it will appear many times these days of tributes and references.

It has been so long since your debut that many players in the current ACB were not born and you were already scoring and rebounding like crazy. 23 seasons later, you put an end to your spectacular career.

They are moments of mixed feelings. Sadness for the withdrawal of an unrepeatable player and for the end of 31 years of continued presence of the Reyes Cabanás surnames on an ACB court. Pride of brother and partner, whom I have accompanied during this long and successful sporting journey. Joy because from now on you will have more time for our family and so we can enjoy your company much more.

For your three siblings you will always be that little blonde with a Schuster hairstyle (impositions of the time), of occasional tantrums that he could not do without his parents and who already pointed out ways when he was nothing more than a tadpole.

You embody the best values ​​that sport enhances. For virtues to take root and develop, there has to be a good substrate. With you it took little watering for them to flourish.

The two Reyes brothers, Felipe and Alfonso, in a 2007 image for ABC

Despite all the difficulties, the obstacles that you have encountered throughout your career in the form of injuries, (not many, fortunately), of those who have not trusted you (you have to be daring for such contempt), you have overcome adversity and you have never lost sight of your goal, your priorities. Be at the service of the team at all times (Students, Real Madrid and the Spanish National Team). Help your colleagues, especially the youngest ones, passing on your experience and teaching. In short, you have given the best of yourself whenever they have needed you. You have faithfully followed the undying example of Colonel Reyes’s spirit of service and Mrs. Lola’s willpower.

I always say it and those who know you well can corroborate it, your true measure is shown in a different scenario than the ball, being much better off the field than on it. That is where you are truly great. Generous, loving, empathetic, familiar, stubborn, messy, clueless, a good person. Goodness, the best virtue that oozes from your pores and that is what makes you a true giant. Not in height, in heart.

This letter goes beyond the strictly sporting, it is a declaration of brotherly love and aims to pay you a small tribute. To you who have made us enjoy basketball, who have essentially contributed to making our sport bigger. But above all to those who, with their defects and numerous virtues, make life more pleasant for those around them.

Like all legends, we will realize the depth of your footprint when we can no longer see you active. Those of us who love you will be lucky to continue sharing our life with you.

Thanks so much, Felipe. See you any of these days.

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