Exclusive: Rendell Dela Rea’s shooting touch sparks Masters Pinoy

Renowned for his sharpshooting from beyond the arc, Rendell Dela Rea aims to fuel Masters Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball's campaign in the upcoming World Masters Tournament, set for May 17-30 in Taiwan.

In an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph, Dela Rea shared on what he can bring to the table when this Philippine team composed of 45 years old and above basketball players face the battle in Taipei.

The sharpshooter out of Jose Rizal University (JRU) emphasized the team’s steady improvement as they familiarize themselves with Coach Arlene Rodriguez’s system.

“Our camaraderie and teamwork are strengthening every day. We encourage each other and embrace our roles. We’re like brothers here—that’s our team’s advantage,” Dela Rea said in Filipino.

“These practices are crucial. When we step onto the court in Taiwan, we need to be fully prepared. It would be tough to compete without proper preparation,” he added.

The Pampanga native also highlighted that outside shooting will be key to overcoming taller international opponents in the tournament.

“We’re up against bigger players, so our outside shooting will be a major weapon,” Dela Rea explained. “Everyone on our team can shoot from anywhere, making us unpredictable each game.”

He also stressed the importance of teamwork, acknowledging that basketball is not an individual sport. Chemistry and following the coach’s strategies, he said, will be crucial for success.

At 46, Dela Rea discussed the team’s commitment to fitness and conditioning.

“We must stay in peak condition. Even after practice, we continue stretching and individual training. We don’t settle for just one session—it’s already part of our routine,” he shared.

Switching to a lighter note, Dela Rea was game for Scoreline.ph’s "on-court kulitan" segment. When asked about an iconic move from his childhood that he still uses today, he replied, “Fake and crossover jump shot.”

He also recalled slipping multiple times on the court, laughing, “Many times! As a wingman, I always sprint, so I’m prone to falling when the court is slippery.”

One of Dela Rea’s most unforgettable moments was completing a four-point play during his NCAA days. He described how he was fouled while taking a deep three-pointer, yet managed to sink the shot. The roar of the crowd and the energy from his teammates made it one of the highlights of his career.

Beyond basketball, Dela Rea also has a love for food. He shared that his favorite Filipino dishes are Adobo and Tinola. Adobo, with its savory and slightly tangy sauce, reminds him of home-cooked meals from his childhood, while Tinola, a comforting chicken soup, has been his go-to dish after long training sessions.

Wrapping up, he delivered a heartfelt message to Filipinos, especially those in Taiwan, urging them to support Masters Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball in the World Masters Tournament.

“The most important thing is to always pray to the Lord—that’s number one,” Dela Rea emphasized.

“We also ask our countrymen to rally behind us as we strive to bring honor to the Philippines. Even at our age, we are determined to give our 100 percent for the country.”

“Our ultimate goal is to win the championship and prove that Filipino talent and heart can still shine on the international stage,” he concluded.