MANILA – Rookie aspirant John Amores is hoping to change people’s perceptions of him as he throws his name in the PBA Season 48 Rookie Draft this Sunday at the Market! Market! in Taguig City.
According to the former Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers forward, he has no control over what people think about him but wants to show that he is already a changed man when given a chance in the PBA.
The 24-year-old Amores made headlines last year after becoming the central figure in a punching incident while playing for the Heavy Bombers in an NCAA game against the College of St. Benilde Blazers.
“Siguro ‘yung nangyari sa akin, nasa utak na ng tao ‘yun. Tingin ko, hindi na mawawala ‘yun,” Amores said. “Hindi na mawawala sa tao ‘yun lalo na sa mga fans. Nandiyan na ‘yun.”
“Sa mga nakakaintindi lang, ‘yung mga basketball players, ‘yun pa rin ‘yung nakakaintindi sa akin. Pero sa akin, wala na eh. Alam ko naman sa sarili ko na ‘yung mga nagawa ko, pinagsisihan ko na ‘yun. Kailangan ko rin itama ‘yun. Eto na ‘yun,” he added.
Amores, who currently plays for Muntinlupa Cagers in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, said he just tried his luck by applying to the PBA Draft even if his former JRU coach Louie Gonzales told him to wait for another year.
“Una kasi, hindi (dapat) ako magpapa-draft. ‘Yun din ang suggestion sa akin nung tumatayong ano sa amin, si coach Louie Gonzalez. In-ano niya ako na wag na muna ako magpa-draft,” said Amores.
“Eh sabi ko sa sarili ko, eto na ‘yung right na… subukan ko lang. Wala naman mawawala. Kung hindi makuha, okay lang. Gawin ko lang ‘yung makakaya ko,” added the 6-foot-3 forward.
If given a chance by any of the 12 teams in the PBA, Amores said he will be a good soldier by trying his best to do what his team wants him to do, whether it is on offense or defense.
“Siguro, sana mapunan ko ‘yung kung ano pagkukulang ng team nila. Siguro magfo-focus ako sa depensa. Although nandiyan ‘yung offense, nandoon pa rin ‘yung mas kailangan i-improve, kailangan ko mag-double effort kasi ‘yun ang hindi mo mawo-work ‘yun kasi nasa sarili mo na ‘yung sipag at tiyaga,” said Amores./PN
