The national team opens its campaign in the sixth and final window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in a little over a week.
Among the young guys in the 24-man Gilas Pilipinas pool, Mason Amos is by far the most impressive.
That was what Gilas coach Chot Reyes said after the team’s practice on Monday at the Meralco Gym.
Why?
“Because he’s the only one among the young guys who has never missed a practice,” said the veteran mentor.
That doesn’t mean he doesn’t have the skills, though. In fact, he was once described by Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings coach Tim Cone as a “lights out shooter.”
“Just for—on sheer presence alone, Mason is clearly showing the dedication and the commitment. And we really like what he brings on the floor, with the kind of game that he has,” Reyes said.
Does this mean he is a shoo-in for the team that will lock horns with Lebanon and Jordan in the sixth and final window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers?
Reyes didn’t give a definite answer.
"That remains to be seen because we have to wait until everyone comes in first and then we can get some more full 5-on-5s in practice to take a look whether he can ultimately crack the final roster,” he said. “But for now, if you’re going to ask me who’s the most impressive among the young guys, he [Amos] is.”