It took 12 minutes for Reynan to steal the show. Before tip-off, all lights were shining bright on the Boozer twins, and for good reasons. Cam is a dynamic jumbo-forward with tremendous upside that explains his #2 ranking in the class of '25. Cayden is a point guard in every aspect possible, a superb floor general earning the #1 spot of his position in the rankings.
That said, Reynan is not like most 19-year-olds. A Pro since his 16th birthday, the explosive prospect played for the reigning FIBA Intercontinental Cup champions, SESI Franca Basquete, and was the 7th leading scorer in the last U19 FIBA World Cup.
Reynan doesn't get fazed. He is the best Brazilian prospect since Nenê and one of the most stereotypical. He has a flashy style, but he's also competitive. He's daring but friendly. Yet he is a thief, a hype one. A kid that loves the big games and impresses scouts while bullying star matchups. Versus Cam and Cayden, the premiere of this season of his Hype Theft run at OTE.
"For the past week - since I was told that we would play against the Boozer twins - I haven't thought about any other thing. I scouted them and made sure I knew what I was gonna do. There was some anxiety, but I wasn't nervous at all. I was anxious to show out and make sure that people knew who I was, and what I came to do at OTE. Nervous-wise, it was not like the BCLA (Basketball Champions League America) final where a lot of emotions were flowing. Here, versus the Explorers, it was different."
Cam and steady, Reynan was himself in the game. His work ethic meshes with his enormous leadership and character and helps him rise to the occasion.
"I talked with Samis before the game about how important this matchup was for us. I've been talking a lot with my family since the news broke that we would face Cameron and Cayden, and it was a priority to show my personality and stand out at the game. I'm known in Brazil, but here in the US that's far from the truth... So, yesterday's game was a big opportunity to shine, and that comes from the mental aspect of the game.'
Since his youth Rey has been a scary kid, an ultra-competitive prospect that inspires fear in his opponents.
"The layup over Cam was a result of that mindset. I made sure that nothing would stop me from being myself: a confident and audacious kid who does what has to be done. When I get in that state of mind, things start to happen. It's how the game comes to me... About the actual play, when I got the board, bumped him, and finished the lay, it was a moment of euphoria! I felt free and comfortable to celebrate with the flex, and the 3-pointer straight after it made for an amazing feeling! At that moment the game became easy, and I started to be more aggressive on my takes. It worked!"
With the maturity to level his thoughts, Reynan made sure to impress on the box score with 15 points; 11 rebounds; 4 assists in 27 minutes of play.
"Stats-wise, I am very satisfied. I could've been better but late-game cramps forced me to sit for a bit. I felt like there was more that I could do, but after seeing my stats I'm satisfied."
Finally, Reynan talks about his new role at OTE: Hype Thief.
"I love when I go unnoticed pre-game as an underdog and my game talks for itself during the play. Even when others have some hype, it's great to show everyone that I'm also there. Showing everyone that I arrived was one of my main focuses. Gotta respect me! And that's on my teammates also... Everybody was talking about the Boozer brothers and the game shows the strength of the Cold Hearts. We are a family!"
"It was an honor to play against Cam and Cayden and to show that I am also on the rise. At the end of the day, you have to respect my story; my history. You have to respect 'The Brazilian Boy'. Gotta respect Reynan! I came to the US to show my game; to display my personality; and to grow with my teammates."
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