Mason Amos is about to experience the storied Ateneo de Manila University–De La Salle University rivalry once more in the UAAP — but this time, he’ll be wearing green.
After suiting up for Ateneo in Season 86, Amos is now in his first year with the Green Archers in Season 88. He knows exactly what to expect when he faces his former school in Sunday’s rivalry clash at the SM Mall of Asia Arena—and he already has a plan.
“Again, just block out the noise. Easier said than done, but I’ve done it before. So, I’ll do it again,” said Amos, who was already hearing boos from Ateneo fans back in Season 87 while serving his residency and watching La Salle’s games from the sidelines.
Amos’ transfer in July 2024, just two months before the start of Season 87, stirred controversy after reports claimed he did not consult Ateneo about the move.
Since then, he has fully embraced his new family in Taft Avenue.
This year, he finally made his UAAP debut for La Salle and delivered his best game yet in their 74-72 victory over the Far Eastern University Tamaraws on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-7 forward showed his shooting touch with 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting, while also adding four assists and three rebounds.
“Actually, I’m not talking to anybody from Ateneo. You know, I’m just, my family’s here in La Salle, and yeah, they’re my brothers,” Amos said.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
He also acknowledged that this weekend will be special, though he’s trying to stay grounded.
“I know it’s going to be an eventful one, but again, I just look at it as another game. The rivalry is still going to be the rivalry, so I still take that into account and yeah, make the best moment,” he added about his first Ateneo-La Salle showdown from the other side.
Having once been a key piece for Tab Baldwin’s Blue Eagles, Amos expects his former coach to come prepared against the Green Archers. But he also sees familiarity working in La Salle’s favor, given how well he knows the Ateneo players.
“Actually, I’m excited to play against all of them. You know, it’s a competition for a reason, and I’m just glad to see them on the court. I’m happy for them too. So, if I get to play them, I get to play them,” he said.
“I know that [Coach Tab] got something planned and I wouldn’t be surprised if he has something well-planned for us on Sunday. So, it’s just us countering what he has planned. You’ve got to give credit where it’s due. He’s a good coach. I’m not taking that away from him. So, just be prepared.”
La Salle has held the upper hand recently, winning the last three rivalry games. But Ateneo remains unbeaten this season at 3-0, riding the firepower of one-and-done star Kymani Ladi and steady guard Jared Bahay.
The Green Archers, meanwhile, sit at 2-1, with both of their victories decided by just two points.
#WATCH: Mason Amos ready to block off the noise as La Salle battles his former squad Ateneo this Sunday! 🏹🏀
📹 @ErnestTuazon /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason88 pic.twitter.com/8sWONe0LXK
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) October 1, 2025
