JRU coach hopes PBA draftee John Amores gets to show ‘true ability’

MANILA, Philippines—Jose Rizal University will embark on a new journey in NCAA Season 99 but coach Louie Gonzales made sure to acknowledge two of his former wards’ recent accomplishments.

John Amores, who became known for the wrong reasons last NCAA season, was picked by Northport in the fifth round of last week’s PBA Draft, much to the delight of Gonzales.

However, Gonzales stressed that “redemption” isn’t the word to describe the new endeavor of Amores, who hopes to turn over a new leaf.

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“Me personally, I can’t take the word ‘redemption’ for John. He made a mistake and he’s sorry for that but knowing John, he’s bigger than that,” said Gonzales, who was at Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday.

“Right now, I wish him well and I hope he showcases the true ability of a John Amores.”

Last season, Amores made headlines after running amok during a game against College of St. Benilde. Amores was served with an indefinite ban from the NCAA that forced him to try his luck in the PBA.

Aside from Amores, another Heavy Bomber got drafted after JL Delos Santos was selected as the seventh pick in the second round by Converge.

Gonzales said the selection of Amores and Delos Santos is one of the goals of JRU’s basketball program.

“That’s really the aim of the program, to develop future PBA and national players. It wasn’t just John but also JL. The responsibility of being one of our leaders is something he’s really carrying.”

Gonzales was also in attendance at the draft held on Sunday at Market! Market! in Taguig.

“Actually, I was there to support them. Whoever’s in my players, if I know that they would have a new milestone in life, I make sure that I’m there to support them,” said Gonzales in Filipino.

Gonzales and the Heavy Bombers start their Season 99 campaign on Sunday against defending champion Letran.