Jeffrei Allan D. Chan (born February 11, 1983) is a Filipino professional basketball player who last played for the Pasay Voyagers of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL). He is also the head coach for the Tikas Kapampangan of the NBL–Pilipinas. After being snubbed in the 2008 PBA draft, he became known as one of the best three-point shooters of his generation.
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Early life and college career
Chan was born and raised in Bacolod. He grew up with his mother and one brother, as his father had left the family.
He started playing basketball for the University of St. La Salle (USLS) in grade school where he competed in various tournaments and earned numerous titles for the school. In those days, he played as a power forward, emulating power forward Horace Grant. He was also an erstwhile member of a champion team in the ADIDAS Streetball Challenge in Western Visayas. During his high school years in the USLS, he played in numerous leagues in Bacolod and was also chosen to be one of the players for Western Visayas to play in the Palarong Pambansa. It was during his high school years that he started working on his outside shot. He then got many playing offers from different schools in Metro Manila where he chose to join the San Beda College training camp. But even before school started, he decided to return to play one last year with the USLS.
He then moved to Far Eastern University to play for the Tamaraws. In his rookie season, he scored nine points in game 2 of the UAAP finals to help FEU claim its 18th title. The Tamaraws were then awarded the 2004 championship after eligibility issues with De La Salle, and beat De La Salle again for the title in 2005. He averaged 18.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game during his senior year.
Professional career
Red Bull Barako / Barako Bull
Upon graduation, Chan was drafted 17th overall by Red Bull Barako in the 2008 PBA draft. Coming into the draft, he was expected to be a first-round pick, but he slipped to the late second round. He signed a two-year deal with Red Bull. The snub motivated him to work harder. He had 15 points in a close loss to the Sta. Lucia Realtors. He followed that up with 23 points in a win over the Alaska Aces. In a rematch with the Realtors, he hit 23 points again to get the win, although the team failed to make it to the Philippine Cup playoffs. After the departure of Cyrus Baguio from the Barako Bull Energy Boosters, Chan became one of the go-to-guys and scoring threats of the team until 2009, when he was traded to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
Chan, along with Mike Hrabak, was traded to Rain or Shine for Rob Wainwright and Mark Andaya. In a 2009–10 Philippine Cup win against his former team, he combined with Hrabak for 27 points on seven three pointers. He also competed in the Three-Point Shootout during the 2010 All-Star Weekend, but lost to Mark Macapagal of the Coca-Cola Tigers.
In the 2010–11 Philippine Cup, Chan came through with 19 points, seven assists, six rebounds, three steals, and the game-winning three pointer at the buzzer in a win over the Air21 Express.
To start the 2011–12 season, Chan scored 18 points in a win over the Barangay Ginebra Kings. He then scored 19 as Rain or Shine started the season 2–0. As they continued to a record of 4–1, he won a Player of the Week award for his consistent play. He then scored 20 in a 139–95 blowout of the Meralco Bolts. He then had 28 points (with 17 in the third quarter) to boost Rain or Shine to 6–1. At that point, he was leading the league in three pointers made and three-point percentage. In game 1 of their Philippine Cup semis against the Powerade Tigers, he scored 27 points to lead Rain or Shine to the win. In game 4, he led the team with 19 points to tie the series 2–2. However, Rain or Shine would lose the series, sending Powerade to the finals.
During the 2012 PBA All-Star Weekend, Chan participated in both the PBA Legends Game and the Three-Point Shootout. He then started Rain or Shine's Governors' Cup campaign with 20 points in a win over Alaska. Together with Gabe Norwood, they combined for 34 points in a win over Barako Bull. Rain or Shine finally made their first finals appearance in finals history that conference. In game 3 of the finals, he scored 18 points (with 11 coming in the third) as Rain or Shine took a 2–1 lead in the series. Rain or Shine eventually won its first championship, with him winning Finals MVP, Most Improved Player, and a spot on the Second Mythical Team.
In the 2012–13 Philippine Cup, Chan had 12 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter of a loss to Ginebra. He then scored a career-high 35 points (with the game-winner) against Air21, missing only three shots. Against the San Mig Coffee Mixers, he scored 22 points (with two four-point plays, with his second tying the game) and got the win. He then scored 12 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter for a come from behind win over Alaska. Throughout the first games of the conference, he averaged 18.5 points, around 48% from the field and 42% from three. He scored 25 points (with 14 in the third quarter) as the Painters rallied from being down 26 points to win over Meralco in overtime. In the quarterfinals, they faced Ginebra, who had beaten them twice in the elimination round. He struggled all throughout the quarterfinals, but Rain or Shine was able to beat Ginebra and move on to the next round. In game 1 of their semis against San Mig, he scored 18 points as Rain or Shine grabbed a 1–0 lead. In game 6, he exploded for 27 points to send Rain or Shine to its first ever Philippine Cup finals appearance, and earn himself a Player of the Week award. In the finals, Rain or Shine was swept by the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters in four games.
Phoenix Fuel Masters
Chan was traded to the Phoenix Fuel Masters in 2017 for Mark Borboran and a 2020 second round pick. Phoenix head coach Ariel Vanguardia wanted him for his experience and as a mentor to their star player Matthew Wright. The trade was a surprise to Chan, as he thought he would only play for Rain or Shine for the rest of his career. In his debut, he had 27 points (with 13 in the second quarter), four rebounds, five assists, and four steals. However, he had a team-high seven turnovers which was one of the reasons Meralco went on to win the game. He had 14 points but cramped up midway through the third quarter as Phoenix suffered its fifth straight loss.
During a 2017–18 Philippine Cup game against NLEX, Chan scored 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting in 27 minutes off the bench. He also added six boards, three assists, and committed just one turnover in that game, despite missing their previous game due to a flu and sore eyes. After Phoenix went on a two-game losing streak, he hit clutch free throws to end the streak against Ginebra and finished with 19 points, six assists and five rebounds. He had a chance to make the game-winner against Meralco, but his three pointer missed.
Chan scored 29 points in the 2018 All-Star Visayas Game and was named MVP of that game. In his final game with Phoenix, he scored 26 in a loss to Rain or Shine.
Barangay Ginebra
On June 18, 2018, Chan was traded to Barangay Ginebra in exchange for a 2018 first-round draft pick. Ginebra head coach Tim Cone wanted him as Ginebra had championship aspirations. Phoenix meanwhile did the trade as they wanted to give minutes to other players. He only had four points in his debut, but his leadership was apparent as Ginebra won against the Columbian Dyip. In game 1 of their quarterfinals against Meralco, he finally hit his first three, finishing with eight points in the win. In game 1 of the semifinals, which was against Rain or Shine, he unleashed 21 points in just 22 minutes of action as he helped Ginebra get the win. Ginebra eventually beat Rain or Shine in the semis and San Miguel in the finals to win him his third championship and first with Ginebra. In the 2018 Governors' Cup semifinals, he became the 91st player to hit the 5,000 points milestone.
Chan missed the start of Ginebra's season as he just had bone spurs surgery. He finally made his season debut in a win over Columbian. They failed to win a Philippine Cup title that season, as they were eliminated by the Magnolia Hotshots in game 3, despite his 17 fourth quarter points.
In a game against Blackwater, Chan landed his foot on Blackwater's James Sena. The injury was ruled as a sprained ankle and was out for two months. He returned to action in the Commissioner's Cup playoffs against the TNT KaTropa. Ginebra eventually lost to TNT.
Chan had his best game of the season against the Dyip in which he scored 10 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter and with the win clinched a top 4 seed in the playoffs. In game 2 of their semifinals, he scored 12 points and helped tie the series. He was consistent again in game 3, as this time he had 14 points. In the 2019 Governors' Cup finals, he hurt his hamstring. Still, he was able to play, and in game 6, they became Governors' Cup champions.
During the 2020 Philippine Cup, Chan scored 12 points in a win over Blackwater. He scored 12 again against Meralco while adding four rebounds and two blocks as Ginebra opened the season 3–0. He scored nine as Magnolia snapped their winning streak. In the semifinals, he aggravated a hamstring injury and missed some games. Despite playing hurt, he was able to contribute in the finals as he finally won his first Philippine Cup title.
NorthPort Batang Pier
On September 20, 2022, Chan was traded to the NorthPort Batang Pier in a three-team trade involving NorthPort, Barangay Ginebra, and San Miguel. He had 12 points in a win over NLEX. In game 2 of their Commissioner's Cup playoff series against Ginebra, he had 20 points, five rebounds, and six assists, but it wasn't enough as Ginebra moved on to the semifinals.
In 2023, Chan was voted in by fans as an All-Star Game reserve. However, he begged off from playing, and was replaced by Alex Cabagnot.
After the 2024 season, Chan's contract was not renewed.
PBA career statistics
As of the end of 2023–24 season
National team career
Chan first joined the Philippines men's national basketball team in 2007. He was part of the team that won gold in that year's SEA Games. He could have played in the 2005 SEA Games if not for FIBA's suspension of the Philippines during that time.
In 2013, Chan was called up to Gilas 2.0 after players in his position such as James Yap, Mark Caguioa, and PJ Simon weren't able to commit. In his time with Gilas, he helped the team win the 2012 Jones Cup, finish runner-up in the 2013 FIBA Asia Men's Championship, and participated in the Philippines' first FIBA World Cup stint in 2014 after a 36-year absence. He also was a member of the team that finished seventh in the 2014 Asian Games, the worst in Philippine history.
In 2015, Chan was not released to Gilas 3.0 by Rain or Shine, as only Gabe Norwood was released by the team. He was later included in the roster for the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Player profile
Chan has been compared to 1990s PBA sharpshooter Allan Caidic because of the similarities of their playing styles, and the similarities of their looks. He is left-handed, like Caidic, and often shoots from the left side of the court. He used to be seen as just a shooter, but over time, became more of a slasher.
Personal life
Chan is married with two daughters. He met his future wife at a cousin's wedding. He is known to be very hands-on in raising his children. His youngest daughter Aerin played in the 2022 Junior World Golf Championships.