John Amores’ next journey will take him to Zamboanga.
The Valientes have signed the controversial 6-foot-2 forward for their upcoming campaign in the 2023 ASEAN Basketball League Invitationals.
“We at the Zamboanga Valientes believe in giving second chances,” said Valientes team owner Junnie Navarro. “He is a good player who made a mistake, a mistake he truly regrets.
“One mistake does not define who you are.“
Moreover, the surname of John is something special for the Navarro family.
Back in their days with Liga Pilipinas, their team was called Zamboanga Amores.
“Amores is love so we believe na he can be a change man this time especially kasama nya mga Zamboangueno na talagang matatapang pero nasa lugar. We will also give him a lot of advice in life and on the court,” Navarro continued.
It is unknown if Amores will use a “special guest license” from the Games and Amusements Board to play. If he is signed as a pro player, he will forgo his amateur status.
Amores has been removed from Jose Rizal University’s varsity program after he went amok during the Heavy Bombers’ game against College of Saint Benilde last November 8.
He has also been indefinitely suspended by the NCAA.
Amores also has three cases of assault versus Mark Belmonte, Taine Davis, and Jimboy Pasturan.
Amores averaged 9.0 points, 4.31 rebounds, and 1.23 assists during Season 98.
“Tingin namin makakatulong siya sa team through his outside shooting and defense,” said Navarro.
“Abangan natin ang pagangat ni Amores sa Valientes.“
Zamboanga also announced that they are tapping Antonio Hester, Will Deng, and Ryan Smith as its imports.
Other locals announced by the team for the tournament, include Rudy Lingganay and Das Esa.
Zamboanga will open its Invitationals campaign against Louvre Indonesia on January 3. They then face the Saigon Heat on January 6, NS Matrix Malaysia on January 7, and the Singapore Slingers on January 8.
