By NIKOLE JAVIER
Filipino-Australian Mason Amos made a rousing debut in Gilas Pilipinas’ 107-96 win against Lebanon on Friday, Feb. 24, at the Philippine Arena.
And he’s only 18.
The 6-foot-7 center poured 11 of his 13 points in the third quarter in a perfect 5-of-5 shooting highlighted by back-to-back triples.
Those numbers were enough to make a superb introduction to the international scene.
Hopefully, it was just the beginning of his journey to stardom.
“It was exciting. There are a lot of people here, a great community, love the Philippines. It’s good representing the country and I’m thankful,” said Amos.
In the absence of prized big man Kai Sotto, the Philippines knew they could count on the young talent’s “shooting prowess.”
The Gilas youth standout shrugged off first-game jitters and stepped up big time behind five other Gilas members who finished in double figures, with Justin Brownlee delivering 17 points as a newly naturalized Filipino player.
After coming in for the first time in the first quarter, Amos surprised everybody as he played like a grizzled veteran – thanks mainly to the positive energy provided by the crowd.
“Just energy coming in off the bench, really something new like I just stepped up and shot the ball. It feels great. It feels different from the youth club, so it’s something great,” Amos added.
National team head coach Chot Reyes couldn’t hide his excitement with Amos making a lasting impression in his debut.
Reyes, though, is yet to make a decision about Amos’ inclusion in the Final 12 for the Philippines’ game against Jordan on Monday, Feb. 27.
