By REYNALD MAGALLON
Controversial forward John Amores was just glad to get a new lease on basketball life after being drafted by NorthPort in the fifth round of the 48th Season PBA Rookie Draft at the Market! Market! In Taguig City on Sunday, Sept. 17.
Called the new “bad boy” of PH basketball for his punching spree that abruptly ended his collegiate career in the NCAA last year, Amores hopes to use the second chance that he is given to at least rebuild his name in the pro-ranks.
“Sobrang saya ko kasi nga, ito ‘yung sa nangyari sa akin, ito na pinaka-umpisa na para mabago ko at para mapakita ko sa mga tao na gagawin ko ‘yung ikabubuti para sa career ko,” said Amores.
Admittedly feeling anxious while waiting for his name to be called, Amores said being drafted in the PBA still came as a shock for him, especially that he, himself, was unsure whether a team would take a gamble on him.
“Parang nagulat lang ako kasi kinakabahan pa kasi ako, kahit nung papunta ako rito kinakabahan ako kung matatawag ba ako o hindi kaya parang excited ako na kinakabahan,” he added.
The former Jose Rizal University standout, who had stints in the Asean Basketball League and in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League prior to joining the PBA, vowed to work hard to crack the Batang Pier lineup and provide whatever the team needs.
“Siguro gagawin ko lang yung best kko kung ano yung maitutulong ko yun lang yung gagawin ko. Kung ano yung kailangan din kung ano ang kulang sa defense yun lang din ang ipiprovide ko. tutulungan ko sila para manalo sa team,” he shared.
Amores surely needs to work hard during the NorthPort practice especially in the next few days to make an impact and convince head coach Bonnie Tan and team manager Pido Jarencio to sign him.
He will have plenty of competition though as the Batang Pier tabbed 11 rookies– the biggest draft haul in this year’s draft including fifth overall pick Zav Lucero, 11th Cade Flores and Letran duo of Fran Yu and Brent Paraiso.
