Bolts proud of Amer’s ‘breakout conference’

Baser Amer against Rain or Shine defenders. PBA IMAGES

Consider the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup as Baser Amer’s coming out party.

Four games into the mid-season conference, the sophomore has averaged 16.25 points, 4.25 rebounds, and 3.75 assists to anchor Meralco to an immaculate 4-0 slate so far this conference.

And the Bolts didn’t fail to acknowledge Amer’s stupendous showing.

“He deserves a lot of credit to how he is handling the team. After four conferences, he is maturing as a basketball player,” said coach Norman Black.

READ: Amer thrives as he embraces role of leader for Bolts

“It’s his breakout conference,” said Cliff Hodge. “Throughout the preseason, we saw what he can do if given a chance. Coach has been trusting him with our offense and he’s been playing for us this conference. He’s always been the guy in practice. Coach has given the keys to him and we’re just doing whatever Baser wants us to do on the court. He’s our floor leader right now.”

Assistant coach Jimmy Alapag couldn’t help but beam with pride over how far Amer has evolved just in his second year in the pro league.

“I’m so happy for Baser. I don’t know if I can put it into words how happy I am,” he said.

READ: Bolts on a roll

Alapag, who worked with Amer several times in San Beda and the Gilas Cadets and even served as his mentor in his final playing year, has long known that San Beda stalwart is one of the can’t-miss talents.

“Just to see his progress and growth in such a short time, and now that I’m not playing, I can turn off the competition mode in my head and just become a fan again. And at the same time, coaching and trying to help these guys, just to see how well he is play, I’m really happy for him,” said the 2011 PBA MVP.

Alapag wouldn’t shy away from tabbing Amer as his heir apparent, going as far as wishing that the Davao City native can match or even exceed his accomplishments in his career.

“By the time when all things are said and done, I hope he can surpass what I was fortunate to do in my career,” he said. “At the end of the day, that’s the nature of the game, you try your best when you’re competing and you’re training to try to be the best that you can be and whatever you achieve, after that, you look back and say, ‘Hey, I did pretty well.’ I hope he can look back on his career, be it only the second year so far, maybe 10 or 15 years, and say, ‘I had a pretty successful career, too.’ He’s on his way and I know it’s still early in this conference but he’s been very, very good for us.”