New De La Salle Green Archer Mason Amos has been at the center of controversy since making the high-profile move from the Ateneo Blue Eagles to La Salle, a decision that has sent ripples through the UAAP basketball community. The transfer was not just a simple change of teams; it was a shift that highlighted the fierce rivalry between these two schools and brought personal relationships into question.
Mason Amos' decision to transfer to La Salle was met with mixed reactions, especially from the Ateneo community. As a prominent player for the Blue Eagles, Amos had shown promise in his lone season, averaging 8.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. However, despite his contributions, the Blue Eagles fell short of their goal, losing in the Final Four to the University of the Philippines, which marked the end of their UAAP championship aspirations for that season.
WATCH: Mason Amos speaks on the new UAAP eligibility rule, his new beginning in La Salle and his former team Ateneo.
— John Bryan Ulanday (@bryanulanday) September 8, 2024
Amos transferred to La Salle in July after only a year in Ateneo. #UAAPSeason87 @PhilippineStar @StarSportsHub @PhilstarNews pic.twitter.com/OV8dJlF8GQ
The move from Ateneo to La Salle came with its own set of complications. According to UAAP rules, Amos must sit out for one season before he can suit up for his new team due to a one-year residency requirement. During this time, Amos has decided to focus on his studies, enrolling in Sports Studies at La Salle. This academic shift complements his athletic career, providing him with a strong foundation as he transitions between two of the most storied basketball programs in the country.
Despite the initial challenges, Amos seems to have found support in his new environment. In a recent media interaction, he expressed gratitude towards his new teammates and coaching staff at La Salle for helping him settle in. He particularly highlighted the roles of Mike Phillips and head coach Topex Robinson in easing his transition.
“It’s great; you have got Mike Phillips, and he has made my transition easier for me. With coach Topex, he is a great coach. He is a player’s coach, and he really knows how to communicate with his players and build relationships. He also welcomed me, and I’m just grateful that he took me in,” Amos shared.
This endorsement of his new coach's style reflects Amos' focus on personal growth and development, both on and off the court. He acknowledged that while he is eager to play again, the residency period provides an opportunity to concentrate on his studies and his physical fitness, ensuring he is in peak condition when he finally dons the Green Archers' uniform.
One of the most significant aspects of Amos' transfer is the strain it has placed on his relationships with his former teammates at Ateneo. In a candid revelation, Amos admitted that he had not informed Ateneo of his decision to transfer, a move that many in the basketball community found controversial. While he has since apologized to Ateneo, the repercussions of his decision are still evident.
In his words, Amos tried reaching out to his former teammates, hoping to maintain the camaraderie they had built. However, his attempts at communication have been met with silence.
“I have tried communicating. But a lot of them have cut their communication with me, so I haven’t gotten to talk with them. I wish them all the best. I have no bad blood, and I’m grateful to be a part of what they had,” he stated.
This admission underscores the personal cost of Amos' transfer. While professional moves are common in sports, the personal ties and emotions involved can make such transitions more complex. For Amos, the move to La Salle is not just a career decision but a personal journey that has seen him lose connections he valued.
With no basketball action on the immediate horizon due to his residency requirement, Amos is channeling his energy into self-improvement. He remains optimistic, choosing to view this period as a chance to enhance his fitness and prepare mentally and physically for the upcoming seasons with La Salle.
“I will just continuously study my course, then just keep on working on my fitness and getting stronger for next year. I’m not looking at it in a negative way. I know I lost two playing years, but I still look at it positively,” Amos said.
His focus on maintaining a positive outlook, despite the challenges and the backlash from his former team, speaks to his maturity and determination. Amos is setting an example of resilience, using this time to develop his skills and build on his strengths.
As Mason Amos navigates this new chapter of his basketball career, all eyes will be on his eventual debut with the La Salle Green Archers. The anticipation around his performance is high, especially considering his impressive showing with Ateneo. His commitment to self-improvement, coupled with the support from his new team, positions him well to make a significant impact once he is eligible to play.
For now, Amos remains focused on his journey, staying true to his goals and maintaining a positive mindset despite the challenges. His story serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in sports transfers, where professional decisions often intersect with personal relationships.
For fans and followers eager to keep up with the latest developments in UAAP basketball and other sports news, OKBET provides comprehensive coverage. As Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports betting in Philippines, OKBET is your go-to source for the latest updates, insights, and betting opportunities in the world of sports. Register today to stay informed and engage with your favorite sports stories from around the globe.
