By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The UAAP men’s collegiate basketball once again caught the attention of the national hoops scene after a controversial transfer involving two rival schools took place on July 1, 2024.
In a lengthy social media post by superstar big man Mason Amos, the sweet-shooting power forward bade the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles goodbye after playing one year with them during the UAAP Season 86.
Minutes after announcing his departure, a couple of updates broke out, confirming that Amos is set to transfer to Ateneo’s rival school, the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers.
It was the sports website Tiebreaker Times that provided the initial detailed report, stating that Amos already confirmed that he would be wearing the green and white jersey when he is eligible to play in the UAAP.
Per UAAP transferee rules, a player will have to sit out one full season before suiting up for the team, which means that Amos will be ready when the UAAP Season 88 kicks off in 2025.
With the departure of Amos in the Blue Eagles lair, head coach Tab Baldwin will once again go back to square one and is in dire need of another stretch big man.
Amos was an instrumental piece to Ateneo’s UAAP Final Four qualification in Season 86 and averaged 8.7 points and 3.3 rebounds.
His efficient three-point shooting was quickly noticed by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), a determining factor for his inclusion in the Gilas Pilipinas national team pool.
Currently, Amos is with Gilas Pilipinas and will be representing the country for the upcoming Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) from July 2 to July 7, 2024.
Once Amos is eligible to play for the Green Archers, he will then form a talented roster together with Kean Baclaan, Jacob Cortez, Kevin Quiambao, and Alex Konov.
“I will forever be proud to have represented the school and thankful. I love you Ateneo. It may be a goodbye but you will always have a place in my heart,” Amos posted on his official Instagram account.
