Gilas Pilipinas big man Mason Amos during a game against Chinese Taipei. Photo by Fiba
Whether he cracks the Gilas Pilipinas roster or not, young big man Mason Amos is making the most out of the biggest opportunity of his young life so far.
“Whether I make the lineup or not, I’m just grateful for the opportunity,” the Filipino-Aussie told the Inquirer as he wiped off the sweat from his face after training.
“It’s something that you just don’t get often—or at all—especially at my age,” he went on.
Amos, an 18-year-old bruiser, is shaping up as a wild card choice for the National Team’s front court clipped by the absence of two last-line defenders in Kai Sotto and Japeth Aguilar.
Without the two big men, coach Chot Reyes’ options for the sixth and final window of the International Basketball Federation World (Fiba) Cup Asian Qualifiers slated next week have been reduced to just a few players: June Mar Fajardo, Raymond Almazan, and just recently, the 41-year-old Kelly Williams.
“Presence is always an advantage,” said Reyes of Amos—a consistent attendee of the weekly practices—possibly making the final cut. “The mere fact that you’re always present gives you an advantage over those who are not present, obviously.”
Amos, for his part, has been preparing for such eventuality, milking every minute he shares the floor with Fajardo, the Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) only six-time Most Valuable Player.
“Being around someone like June Mar has been really an inspiration,” Amos said of the San Miguel cornerstone whom he bumped fists with during the interview.
“He’s the [Greatest of All Time] in the PBA in my opinion—one of the best ever. He’s always giving me pointers. He’s making me a better player. He’s a fun guy and very welcoming and I truly appreciate him for it.”
Amos is also familiar with the tremendous pressure that comes with donning the Gilas red-white-and-blue, having played for the Philippine youth team in the Fiba Under-18 Asian Championship in Tehran, Iran.
So count on the youngster to make the most out of the chance of playing with the men—if he ever gets it this early.
“Being here is already the biggest milestone of my life so far. I know that I have a long career ahead, but this is for sure the best thing that has happened to me so far,” he said.
“This is an amazing opportunity and I am in no way going to take it for granted,” he added.