As one of the most high-profile transfers of recent UAAP memory, Mason Amos found his home in La Salle after spending the first part of his career with Ateneo.
Mason Amos and his playing career experienced quite the big shift, opting to transfer out of Ateneo in favor of the Blue Eagles' sworn UAAP rivals in the DLSU Green Archers.
Amos, who played his rookie year with Ateneo, turned heads when he picked La Salle, and that decision will soon enter the spotlight once again with his upcoming Green Archers debut in UAAP Season 88.
Understandably, there was a lot of noise surrounding Amos’ move. But for the Fil-Aussie big, it was all about staying within himself and what he could control.
“I mean honestly, [it was] just staying in my own silence and keep working hard and, you know, just being myself,” Amos told One Sports of what helped him get through all the issues that followed him after his transfer from Ateneo.
“Just being myself was the best way to overcome the adversity, and just not minding the noise,” he added.
Mason Amos set for his UAAP return with La Salle. Photo: RM Chua
Of course, there will be a lot more noise when La Salle and Ateneo play their next set of rivalry games in UAAP Season 88.
Though he had already faced off against the Blue Eagles in preseason tournaments, Ateneo-La Salle games in the UAAP are entirely different conversation. But as far as Amos is concerned, it’s all about focusing on playing his role.
“You know, I just look at every game the same way,” said Amos.
“No matter who we're playing, [it’s about] just giving my all. You know, La Salle deserves all the effort from us because we're representing the school. It's the name on the front, but I also got to represent the name on the back,” he added.
Heading into his new UAAP journey, Amos also relished the uplifting environment that he found with his fellow Green Archers. After facing high-pressure situations with Ateneo, the big man eased up in La Salle.
“I'm feeling great. You know, it's a blessing to be here and it's a blessing just to be in God's presence. You know, like always being part of this team and just being together as a group,” Amos said.
“It's not very often where you get these moments. So, [I’m] just enjoying it.”
The UAAP Season 88 basketball tournaments are slated to begin later this month, with the DLSU Green Archers raring for redemption after finishing as runners-up behind the UP Fighting Maroons last year.
Amos will be among La Salle’s go-to scorers after the exit of two-time MVP Kevin Quiambao, joining the likes of veteran Mike Phillips, fellow transferees Jacob Cortez and Kean Baclaan, and promising rookie Lebron Jhames Daep.