AFTER suffering a hyperextended knee injury earlier this month due to a teammate accidentally landing on his right leg, Ateneo’s Mason Amos has been showing exactly why he’s considered to be one of the best recruits coming out of high school.
In the PinoyLiga Collegiate Cup, the 6-foot-7 stretch forward averaged 11.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists, earning him a spot on the tournament’s all-rookie team.
However, what’s even more promising are his shooting splits. Amos hit 55.3 percent of his shots from the field and 48.2% from three, including a go-ahead triple to win Ateneo the PinoyLiga title.
The Fil-Aussie attributes his strong individual performances to his teammates and coaches who have welcomed him with open arms and became his home away from home.
Mason Amos at home in Ateneo
“I’ve adjusted pretty well. I think going more into the year I will become super comfortable in this new environment. This team is easy to fit into due to the culture of the Ateneo and BEBOB,” said Amos.
“We embrace being Atenean and it’s the way we present ourselves.”
The “Blue Eagle, Band of Brothers” as they like to call themselves have steadily improved over the course of preseason.
After losing five straight games in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, Ateneo has since then found their cohesion, winning their last four contests in the tournament and as well as sweeping the PinoyLiga Cup.
Nevertheless the Gilas forward said that there is still a lot of work to be done in preparation for their title defense in the UAAP.
“Overall, I feel as though we are in a good position to compete, however, there is still work to do leading into this upcoming season 86.”
“My expectations are for us to be consistently competitive and always having the mentality to stay disciplined, focused in order to get it done.”
The Blue Eagles continue their preparations for the new season as they fly out to Australia tomorrow, July 1. They will stay down under for two weeks to play a couple of games against professional teams before heading to Japan in August for the World University Basketball Series.
On his hyperextended knee injury:
Well originally one of my teammates kinda landed on my knee and when I went to see the doctor I was diagnosed with a hyperextended knee. Didn’t think much of it but apparently it was worse than I thought.
On his return after injury:
It feels good to be back. I have found my rhythm again and it feels good to be able to put the uniform on again.
On his overall assessment of the Blue Eagles this preseason:
Overall, I feel as though we are in a good position to compete, however there is still work to do leading into this upcoming season 86. The Ultimate togetherness of our team is when we are at our strongest.
On his adjustments to life in the Philippines:
I’ve adjusted pretty well. I think going more into the year I will become super comfortable in this new environment. This team is easy to fit into due to the culture of the Ateneo and BEBOB. We embrace being Atenean and it’s the way we present ourselves.
I currently live in Katipunan where most of my teammates also stay.
On the advice his family gave to him:
They just advised me to set goals and keep working hard in order to do well at Ateneo.
On his expectations for the rest of the preseason:
My expectations are for us to be consistently competitive and always having the mentality to stay disciplined, focused in order to get it done.
On his personal expectations:
My goals are to really keep getting better and of course aim for a championship.
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