Mason Amos was tapped not just to provide size and heft to the crippled Gilas Pilipinas squad in the sixth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
He was recruited to become the cornerstone of a long-term program.
Gilas head coach Chot Reyes told Daily Tribune that the future looks bright following the inclusion of Amos in the 12-man roster that battled Lebanon late Friday at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
The 6-foot-7 Amos, a sweet-shooting big man from Brisbane, made a lot of heads turn when he joined distinguished players like six-time Philippine Basketball Association Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo, reigning PBA MVP Scottie Thompson, naturalized player Justin Browlee and seasoned international campaigners Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, Dwight Ramos and Ray Parks in the final cut.
He has yet to play his first official game for Ateneo de Manila University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, but Reyes asserted that he can be part of the nucleus of the Gilas program, similar to what happened with Japeth Aguilar and, now, Kai Sotto.
“What we see in the international game is a shooting big man and that’s what he brings,” Reyes said, referring to the 6-foot-7 Amos.
“He is a big (man) with a very good outside shot. It gives us a different dimension. He’s big and he can also hit the three-point shots that makes us more versatile in our attacks.”
“In our country, 6-foot-7 or 6-foot-8 is already considered big.”
A string of misfortunes opened things up for Amos.
The 7-foot-2 Sotto, the country’s brightest hope in the international arena, suddenly became unavailable after signing a contract with the Hiroshima Dragonflies in the Japan B. League while Aguilar and Poy Erram are still nursing various injuries.
Another stretch big in Carl Tamayo also begged off to join his new team in Japan while Raymond Almazan remains busy with Meralco in the PBA.
With Gilas lacking in rim protectors, Reyes gave Amos a chance to shine and make his debut in the seniors squad after seeing action with the Gilas Pilipinas Youth in the FIBA Asia U18 Championship in Tehran, Iran last year.
Reyes said Ramos’ inclusion will be a big boost to the future of the Gilas Pilipinas program.
“We’re building a program,” Reyes said.
“As much as we’re building a team to compete, we’re also building a program for the future. That’s why we make sure that we have these players playing.”
“It’s the only way for them to improve. If they’re playing among themselves in their age group, they won’t develop as much. The experience and the regular exposure is going to help them.”
Ramos admitted that he’s overwhelmed, but will do his best to make the best out of the golden opportunity of playing with the best and brightest cagers in the country.
“Playing with these stars is very welcoming,” Amos said.
“Even when I came back to the Philippines, the first thing I did was suit up for the Gilas team. Being around these players makes me a better person and a better player.”
“It gave me an outlook of what my potential could be because I’m pushing my limits. I’m getting better everyday and that’s what it’s all about. Being a part of the Gilas program, I’m sure it will give me some influence in my game, especially when I play in the UAAP. It could push me there.”
