It would be hard for Baser Amer to celebrate his Gilas inclusion
Friday night could not be more sour for sophomore guard Baser Amer. His 25-point outing to anchor the Meralco Bolts went in vain, as he and his team bowed to the TNT Katropa in a bout that went over the limit.
And as a result, the Bolts will now head to the exit doors of the 2017 Commissioner’s Cup.
“Sayang,” lamented the 24-year-old point guard, who helped Meralco force a decider last Wednesday with his career-high 32 points. “Nandoon na sana yung opportunity na makapasok kami sa semis pero kinapos kami.
“Maghihintay na naman kami para sa next conference.”
However, despite how bad his night is, a glimmer of positivity shone on Amer. During halftime of the match, Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes took to Twitter to announce the addition of two more players in the national squad pool.
And one-half of those included was the San Beda great, who has already represented the Philippines under Sinag Pilipinas back in the 2015 SEA Games in Singapore, where they bagged home the gold medal.
“Gusto ko lang magpasalamat kay coach Chot na pinili ako para sa Gilas,” thanked Amer of his inclusion to the pool.
“Dapat ‘di ako maging comfortable kung ano yung na-achieve ko ngayon, pinakita ko this conference.”
“Reward talaga. Reward sa lahat ng hard work ko. Alam ng teammates ko, pati ng coaches kung paano ako magsipag sa practice,” added the proud son of Davao City, who averaged 23.67 points on 50 percent shooting and 6.0 rebounds in the quarterfinals.
As Amer returns to the national team now as a pro cager, the four-time NCAA champion is eager to reunite with his SEA Games teammates Kiefer Ravena, Mac Belo, Jio Jalalon, Kevin Ferrer, and Almond Vosotros.
“Sobrang excited ako, lalo na sa practice kasi lahat sila magagaling.
“Mas gaganahan ka. Excited ako mag-practice kasi magaling kasama ko at maiimprove ko kung ano yung dapat i-improve,” he shared.
It’s safe to say, Baser Amer would be busy during Meralco’s extended break.