For the first time in 208 days, College of Saint Benilde and Jose Rizal University squared off at the Filoil Ecooil Centre.
The preseason tussle in the Preseason Cup was the first encounter between the two squads since the infamous game that saw one John Amores go berserk on the Blazers.
Since then, a case has been filed by two of the victims of the on-court assault in Jimboy Pasturan and Taine Davis while Amores has since apologized to the entire school.
Asked for an update, Pasturan, who was watching his former team, shared that the two counts of serious physical injury they filed is about to be settled this month after an agreement has been reached.
“Okay na kami.
“Sa case okay na, nagka-agreement na kami. Parang this June ata matatapos na ‘yun, sarado na ‘yung case nun,” said Pasturan, who is currently playing for Bacoor in the MPBL, about the case they filed in San Juan last November 11.
Though still saddened every time he looks back on what happened, Blazers head coach Charles Tiu is just glad that Amores has taken the initiative to reform himself.
Amores is currently playing for Muntinlupa in the MPBL.
“I’m happy for him; you know I have no problem with Amores. Whatever happened was unfortunate,” recalled Tiu after CSB’s 68-81 loss to JRU on Sunday.
“Actually, I message him sometimes, and we’re in touch, so I hope he learns from that experience and becomes a better player.
“I’m happy that he’s getting opportunities. At least, I appreciate him more because he reached out to me before. You know, I haven’t heard from some guys in the JRU team that I would have expected to receive a message from, at least because they’re supposed to be my friends. But, I respect Amores for being man enough to apologize,” he continued.
Even Pasturan and Amores have become friends since then.
“Pag nagkikita kami ‘yun pa rin parang casual na kaibigan na kami.”