'Beats NBA free agency': Mason Amos reportedly leaves Ateneo for La Salle
MANILA, Philippines — In a development that some Filipino college basketball fans claim even trumps the player movements in the first day of the NBA free agency, sweet-shooting big man Mason Amos is reported to be transferring from Ateneo to De La Salle.
The Filipino-Australian already took to Instagram to announce his stunning departure from the Blue Eagles’ nest after just one UAAP season.
The 19-year-old’s transfer to Taft Avenue was first reported by sports website Tiebreaker Times.
Philstar.com reached out to the young star for confirmation on his move, but no response has been given as of posting time.
Amos, who was one of the top rookies of Ateneo last season, thanked his teammates, coaches and the Ateneo community in his Instagram post.
“As I sit here and write this I think about my life and I am forever thankful for what Ateneo has done for me,” he said.
“I will forever be proud to have represented the school and thankful. I love you Ateneo. It may be a goodbye but you will always have a place in my heart,” he added.
The big man tipped his hat to his teammates, saying that he had “no regrets having fought by your side.”
“I am thankful that you guys taught me lessons and that we were able to create memories I will cherish forever. I love you guys and that’ll never change,” he continued.
“To the coaches and everyone involved - I am thankful for everything you have taught me. I am thankful for the opportunity, the teachings, the adversity and the knowledge you have instilled in me. I am so blessed to be able to be coached by you guys. I love you all and I am thankful for everything.”
Amos is currently with Gilas Pilipinas for the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
The Philippines will try to punch a ticket to the Paris Olympics, and the big man is one of the key cogs in Gilas’ frontcourt.
“To the Ateneo community, I am grateful for the opportunities you have given me. I am grateful for the memories I have been able to create and cherish. I am grateful to all the great people I have met during my time. I am grateful for all the challenges you have presented me,” he said.
“I am grateful that I was able to be apart of something bigger than myself. I’m am forever thankful for the love you have given me constantly day in and day out. I am forever grateful for my classmates, all my professors and everyone that helped me with my schooling experience. I love Ateneo and that will forever be there.”
The 6-foot-7 Amos averaged 8.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per game for the Blue Eagles in his rookie year in Season 87 while shooting a 41.5% clip from beyond the arc.
Meanwhile, Filipino basketball fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to post their reactions to Amos' reported move, which some jokingly said is bigger than the developments in Day 1 of the NBA free agency Monday.
Mason Amos' transfer>>>>>Day 1 of NBA free agency
— Ivan Saldajeno (@IvanSaldajeno) July 1, 2024
UAAP preseason > NBA preseason. https://t.co/BK3fqnHzGn
— DeKampanilya (@DeKampanilya) July 1, 2024
Among the major player movements at the start of the NBA free agency included Chris Paul signing with the Victor Wembanyama-led San Antonio Spurs, and Paul George moving from the Los Angeles Clippers to team up with Joel Embiid at the Philadelphia 76ers.
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