Mason Amos and Jordan Heading are thrilled by the possibility of seeing action for Gilas Pilipinas in the final window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
The 18-year-old Amos said he is excited to make his seniors debut for Gilas Pilipinas, which will battle Lebanon on Friday and Jordan on Monday at the 55,000-seater Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
Amos, however, stressed that he is tempering his expectations.
“I’m excited,” Amos, an incoming rookie for Ateneo de Manila University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
“Whether I make it or not, I’m just grateful for the experience. It’s very humbling. But if ever I get a chance to crack the roster, I’ll make the most out of it and learn as fast as I can.”
A stretch big who has a body capable of banging up with the big men in the international level, Amos’ presence will be needed, especially after 7-foot-2 center Kai Sotto opted out of the sixth window for personal reasons.
Injury bug hit Gilas Pilipinas’ lately as 6-foot-9 forward Japeth Aguilar was sidelined by a knee issue, while Poy Erram underwent knee procedure a few months earlier.
So depleted was the front court of Gilas that the team was even forced to bring in an old hand in 41-year-old Kelly Williams, who skipped the national aspirants’ training on Monday to rest the aches and pains he is experiencing due to overextended playing for TNT Tropang Giga in the Philippine Basketball Association.
Gilas Pilipinas had also given up size by putting in three-time PBA Best Import awardee Justin Brownlee in place of 6-foot-10 Ange Kouame.
With this, Amos is in a much better position of making the final 12.
“When I got the opportunity of playing in the Philippines, the first thing I did was playing for the national team – first with the youth squad and now, the Gilas team. It’s very humbling. Being around with these players, PBA stars and B. League standouts makes me a better person,” he said.
“And the coaches, I’ve learned a lot from Coach Chot (Reyes), coach Tim (Cone), Coach Jong (Uichico). I learned a lot of things. It has raised the level of my game being a part of Gilas. It’s going to be an outlook of what my potential could be because I’m pushing my limits. I’m getting better every day and that’s what it’s all about. Hopefully, we can win this coming window.”
Heading, on the other hand, said that he is savoring the opportunity to return to the national team program.
In fact, he was a part of the Gilas team when it was being handled by coach Tab Baldwin but had a falling out with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
Heading spent the past couple of years playing in the B2 League for the Nagasaki Velca after his stint in the T1 League with the Taichung Wagor in Taiwan.
“Some things just happened in life and it’s wise for both parties to move on,” said Heading on his decision to kiss and make up with the SBP.
“It doesn’t mean that when I left the Philippines, I have intentions of leaving it permanently. It’s always my idea to try and come back.”
Heading looks forward on the possibility of getting included in the national team and this time, playing alongside more experienced players.
Previously, he was part of the developmental team composed mostly of collegiate stars but is now competing for a roster spot with some of the best players in the PBA and B. League.
“It’s up to the coaching staff. I hope I can bring something to the table that they need,” Heading said.
“There’s a lot of good players out here, a lot of shooters.”
