‘It’s a career move’: Ex-Blue Eagles weigh in on Mason Amos situation

MANILA, Philippines – Mason Amos has to make moves to further his own basketball career, former Ateneo star Kiefer Ravena said, after the star big man left the Blue Eagles’ nest to reportedly transfer to rivals La Salle Green Archers.

News that Amos is moving to perennial rivals La Salle broke on Monday, shocking the Philippine collegiate basketball scene. 

Ravena, who played for Ateneo from high school to college, stressed that while “there will always be a lot of emotions involved,” the sweet-shooting big man’s transfer should be seen to be a career move. 

“There will always be a lot of emotions involved. When it comes to school, it’s pride. Your loyalty plays a part. When you transfer from one school to another, there will always be things said, feelings hurt, and bridges burned,” he said after the training of Strong Group Athletics on Tuesday night.

"With Mason, as much as I’m an Atenean, he has to make moves for his own career. To all the other players, I’m sure they are all preparing for a bright future ahead, whether they stay in one school or they move to another,” he added. 

The guard also said he is not one to judge especially since he does not know the full story behind the transfer of the 6-foot-7 Gilas Pilipinas team member, who averaged 8.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per game in his rookie season in the UAAP. 

“If this is what they do to have a better career, why not?” the 30-year-old floor general said. 

“I made the move also, maybe on a bigger scale, from one professional league to another because I want to grow. Maybe that’s what Mason is also thinking."

After playing a few years in the PBA for the NLEX Road Warriors, Ravena brought his act to the Japan B.League, where he recently signed a fresh contract with the Yokohama B-Corsairs. 

Another former Blue Eagle, Dave Ildefonso, said that a player should ultimately decide where to bring his act, especially if it helps him have a better opportunity in his career. 

“I do not have any problem with that move, because as a player, you are the one to decide where you play and what you wanna do, and of course, the best opportunities for you and your family,” Ildefonso, who earlier played for the National University Bulldogs before transferring to Ateneo, said. 

Amos’ teammate last year, Geo Chiu, said that while the big man’s transfer hurts, he understands both sides. 

“I just try to be in the middle. I get the other side but I also understand Mason,” Chiu, who turned pro this offseason, underscored. 

“There is so much he is going through right now, but as a big brother, I am worried for him. But, still, it is still painful. We did not expect it.”