Mason Amos has been front and center for Gilas Pilipinas Boys’ under-18 squad in the FIBA Under-18 Asian Championship.
Well, the 6-foot-7 Australia-born Filipino is currently making the whole continent take notice of him, averaging a tournament-leading 24.3 points to go along with 5.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.0 steals.
More importantly, he has led Gilas to three wins in as many games.
But for Amos, it’s not about the numbers he is racking up — it’s all about representing.
(C) FIBA.basketball
“There is honestly no better feeling than representing your country. It was all a dream to play for the Philippines and to know that I’ll be wearing that jersey, I’m going to give it my all,” Amos told FIBA.basketball.
“It is something I don’t take for granted. This is because there are millions of other guys my age that would love to be in the position I am in right now and so I’m forever grateful. This also motivates me to keep getting better every day.”
Amos, who stands at 6-foot-7, has been a three-way offensive player for Gilas — he can pound the paint, drive to the lane, and shoot from the outside with ease.
(C) FIBA.basketball
His game eerily reminds fans of Ranidel De Ocampo.
Amos shared that growing up, he had always admired De Ocampo’s game. And he had a chance to talk to him during Gilas’ practice sessions in Moro Lorenzo Gym — the same facility TNT uses.
“I’ve spoken to the legend, Ranidel De Ocampo.
“I looked up to him when I was younger and followed the way he fought in his position even though at an international level he was undersized. I have a similar playing style to him and so I follow his footsteps,” shared the 18-year-old.
“The advice he gave me was to enjoy the experience and be a leader. This really motivated me to become more of a leader for this Gilas team and hopefully will allow for the team to perform for success,” he continued.
Despite their strong start in the tournament, Amos is not yet satisfied.
After all, the goal is to make it to the Under-19 World Cup next year in Hungary.
“It would be an amazing feeling to qualify for the World Cup next year. I know it will take some heart and hard work to get there. But I’m a strong believer in the group we have and the fight we are going to give.”
