After eight months, Mason Amos returned to the Moro Lorenzo Gym at Ateneo de Manila University last weekend.
But this time, the 6-foot-7 Fil-Australian forward was no longer wearing the Blue Eagles’ royal blue. Instead, he donned the regal green of La Salle.
Admittedly, the 20-year-old sharpshooter felt nostalgic, having spent most of his freshman year in that very gym.
“It feels good, but at the same time, I’m just here for the team,” he told Asiabasket.
In their debut game in the 2025 Asiabasket College Campus Tour, Amos led the Green Archers to an 85-67 victory over the UE Red Warriors, tallying 16 points and eight rebounds.
“I think pre-season tournaments like Asiabasket really help us a lot because they allow us to build team chemistry. They also give us more experience heading into the UAAP season in September. We’re just trying to get everything we can out of these games—it’s all about improving as a team,” he said.
His performance served as preparation for their highly anticipated matchup against host Ateneo, scheduled for Sunday at 4:00 PM.
Heading into the game, Amos remains focused on his growth and development ahead of the UAAP season.
“I’m not too worried about everything happening outside—I’m not letting it get in my head. I’m focused on the game,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin — whose Blue Eagles cruised to a dominant 107-48 win over St. Clare Saints that same weekend — downplayed the significance of the upcoming matchup.
“It’s just another pre-season game. I’m sure Topex and his team are working to get better and prepare for the upcoming UAAP season, just like we are,” said the decorated American-Kiwi mentor.
Still, Baldwin is well aware that the Ateneo faithful will pack the Moro Lorenzo Gym — not just to support the Blue Eagles, but also to cheer against Amos and the Green Archers.
“Whenever Ateneo plays La Salle, people like to make a big deal about the rivalry, but our priorities are a little different at this time of the year. We just want to play a good game, give the fans something to enjoy, and see how things go,” he said.
Games slated on Saturday at the same Katipunan facility are Perpetual versus Mapua, Lyceum versus FEU, and Ateneo versus San Beda.
Serving as prelude to the Blue and Green clash on Sunday are NU versus FEU, Benilde versus Mapua, and EAC versus San Beda.
#WATCH: La Salle’s Mason Amos reflects on his return to Ateneo’s Moro Lorenzo Gym, while Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin shares his thoughts on hosting the Green Archers this weekend 🏀
📹 Asiabasket pic.twitter.com/EOeXuPRAyv
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 28, 2025
