John Amores hopes that his selection in Sunday’s PBA Season 48 Rookie Draft will mark the beginning of his journey toward redemption.
“Ito na ‘yung pinaka-umpisa para mapakita ko sa tao na gagawin ko ‘yung mas ikakabuti para sa career ko,” said the 6-foot-2 guard during the lengthy draft proceedings held at Ayala Malls Market! Market! in Taguig.
The Jose Rizal University product was chosen 51st overall by NorthPort, a chance he’s eager to seize to demonstrate that he is no longer the man who made headlines—and subsequently received extreme backlash from fans online—last November.
Amores is aware that his punching assault during the Heavy Bombers’ NCAA match versus St. Benilde may never be forgotten. However, he has since embarked on a journey to rebuild his image and, potentially, establish a better reputation.
That journey took a crucial turn when he heard his name called by none other than Batang Pier head coach Pido Jarencio during the fifth round.
“Nagulat lang ako,” said the 24-year-old about being selected. “Kahit pagpunta ko, parang, kinakabahan ako kung matatawag ba ako, o hindi.”
But Amores recognizes that being signed to a contract is a different matter, and he’s determined to prove himself worthy as he will face stiff competition from other young talents aspiring to make it to the PBA court.
NorthPort had quite a haul in this year’s draft, selecting a total of 11 players, led by Zavier Lucero, Cade Flores, and Fran Yu.
“Gagawin ko lang yung pinaka-best ko,” said the former ABL and MPBL player.
“Kung ano ‘yung maitutulong ko, ‘yun ang gagawin ko.
“‘Yung pinaka-unang kailangan ng team, lalo na sa defense, ayun ‘yung ipo-provide ko, tutulungan ko sila para manalo,” added Amores.
