Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net
With the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup as his break out conference, Baser Amer has nothing to be ashamed of despite Meralco’s early exit.
Averaging 15.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists this past conference, the Davao City native has fully embraced the lead playmaker role for the Bolts as he anchored the team to the quarterfinals.
But despite his 25 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and three steals in Game 3, Amer’s efforts still weren’t enough as TNT bagged an 104-96 overtime win on Friday to advance to the semifinals, leaving the sophomore guard weeping as the buzzer sounded.
READ: Reyes taps Alas, Amer to join Gilas pool
“The opportunity was there for us to make it to the semis, but we fell short,” admitted a somber Amer in Filipino. “We’re going to wait again for next conference. We’ll go back to work. Whatever I showed this conference, I have to double my effort and continue working with coach Jimmy (Alapag) and coach Ronnie (Magsanoc).”
But Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes didn’t fail to notice Amer’s hardwork, with the former San Beda standout earning a spot in the national team pool.
That made things better for Amer, who is grateful for shot to don the national team colors anew.
READ: Amer drops 32 as Bolts take q’finals to decider
“I’m thankful to coach Chot. I look at it as a reward for all the hard work I’ve done. My teammates know and my coaches know how much I give to our practices,” he said.
Amer also gets a chance to once again play alongside friends Kiefer Ravena, Jio Jalalon, Mac Belo, and Kevin Ferrer, all of whom were his teammates in the 2015 Southeast Asian Games.
“I’m excited, more so because they’re all great players. That makes me strive harder because I’m with them and I can improve what I must improve on my game,” he said.
READ: Tired of losing, Amer gives Bolts another crack at semis
However, Amer knows that his job with the national team is just getting started, as he braces for a tough competition to get a crack on Reyes’ final lineup.
“I know I shouldn’t be comfortable with what I achieved in this conference. I’ll still work hard,” he vowed.