La Salle’s Mason Amos plans to dam out noise in conflict vs ex-team Ateneo

Going through his former group, La Salle star Mason Amos expects Ateneo to have ‘one thing deliberate’ when the 2 fierce rivals conflict for the primary time this UAAP season

MANILA, Philippines – Anticipate all eyes to be on Mason Amos as he performs his first Ateneo-La Salle rivalry recreation since becoming a member of the Inexperienced Archers final 12 months. 

Amos, who performed his rookie season with the Blue Eagles, braces for loud jeers from Ateneo followers in his first style of the rivalry conflict as a Inexperienced Archer within the UAAP males’s basketball event on Sunday, October 5.

“I’ll simply block out the noise. (It’s) simpler stated than achieved, however I’ve achieved it earlier than. So, I’ll do it once more,” Amos stated following La Salle’s 74-72 win in opposition to the FEU Tamaraws on Wednesday, October 1. 

“Simply having the ability to play in a rivalry is at all times thrilling, so I’m wanting ahead to it.”

“I do know it’s going to be an eventful one, however once more, I have a look at it as one other recreation,” La Salle’s sharpshooting ahead added. “The rivalry continues to be going to be the rivalry, so I nonetheless take that under consideration.”

Amos had a controversial departure, leaving Ateneo in July 2024, whereas enjoying for the Gilas Pilipinas within the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Event. He then transferred to La Salle mere days later.

In line with Amos, La Salle has been a haven for him, defending him from any exterior noise forward of their Sunday rivalry recreation at 4:30 pm on the Mall of Asia Area.  

“They’re simply telling me to be true to myself and never be afraid,” he stated. “You realize, simply getting over that hump that I used to have firstly, which was being mentally robust. It wasn’t straightforward. I can say it wasn’t straightforward, however I moved previous it.”

In his first three UAAP video games with the Inexperienced Archers, Amos averaged 9.67 factors and three.67 rebounds per recreation whereas taking pictures 42.86% from the three-point line. 

In opposition to FEU, the 21-year-old Fil-Aussie had his greatest recreation with La Salle thus far, placing up 14 factors, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists. 

Since his switch, Amos has already obtained boos from Ateneo followers whereas on the sidelines throughout Season 87, the 12 months he served his residency with La Salle.

Amos first performed in opposition to Ateneo in an Asiabasket recreation in March at his previous stomping grounds, the Blue Eagle Gymnasium. 

There, Amos obtained a glimpse of the Ateneo crowd’s jeering months earlier than his Season 88 debut. 

“Truly, I’m excited to play in opposition to all of them. You realize, it’s a contest for a purpose, and I’m simply glad to see them on the court docket,” Amos stated of his former squad. “I’m completely satisfied for them, too.”

After ending useless final in Season 87, Ateneo has risen to the highest of the standings with a 3-0 begin. In the meantime, La Salle stands at 2-1, with its lone loss coming in opposition to the UST Growling Tigers. 

Figuring out Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin, Amos additionally anticipates the Blue Eagles’ recreation plan in opposition to him.

“I do know that he obtained one thing deliberate, and I wouldn’t be stunned if he has one thing well-planned for us on Sunday,” he stated. 

“So, it’s simply us countering what he has deliberate. You’ve obtained to provide credit score the place it’s due. He is an effective coach. I’m not taking that away from him.”

The Inexperienced Archers have gained the final three of their rivalry video games in opposition to Ateneo.

This season additionally brings recent faces to the showdown, with Jacob Cortez and Kean Baclaan steering La Salle’s backcourt, whereas Ateneo’s one-and-done trio of Kymani Ladi, Jaden Lazo, and Dominic Escobar gear up for his or her first conflict. – Rappler.com