Second chances: John Amores becomes latest redemption story as fans applaud his entry into PBA

On Sunday, John Amores became the 51st pick of the NorthPort Batang Pier in the Season 48 PBA Draft, marking an important chapter in his pursuit of redemption, both for his personal life and basketball career. 

After running amok in an NCAA game back in 2022, Amores hogged the national spotlight on a bad note. Since then, he has actively taken steps to address his temper problems. Fortunately, even before declaring for the draft, Amores has found various opportunities like in the Zamboanga Valientes as well as the Muntinlupa Cagers of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League. 

Getting into the oldest play-for-pay hoops league in Asia is of course a different accomplishment on its own. The PBA is still the country's biggest league, and Amores now has a real chance to have a long career in it. 

X (formerly Twitter) user and basketball fan Dwigt Schrute loved to see it. 

"Happy for John Amores. Dude was problematic but made the necessary steps to change his fate." 

Happy for John Amores.

Dude was problematic but made the necessary steps to change his fate.

— Dwigt Schrute (@DwigtSchruute) September 17, 2023

Netizen @bgk_angel airs the same sentiment. 

"YES, JOHN AMORES. Rooting for you. I am a fan of second chances." 

YES,JOHN AMORES...rooting for you.I am a fan of second chances

— S.Tan (@bgk_angel) September 17, 2023

Meanwhile, @peamupbupper thinks NorthPort drafting Amores isn't just for flair or publicity, as he believes that the former JRU Heavy Bomber is going to be a versatile weapon on the court, even comparing him to a PBA star. 

"Can defend multiple positions. His offense is continuing to improve and great energy guy off the bench. Parang budget Calvin Abueva." 

TBF to John Amores despite the incident, he'll be a great pickup too. can defend multiple positions, his offense is continuing to improve and great energy guy off the bench. parang budget Calvin Abueva.

— steph (@peamupbupper) September 17, 2023

X user Ty, on the other hand, even found it funny that Amores was drafted ahead of Kyt Jimenez and Nikko Paranda, both draftees were favorites among fans, too. Jimenez and Paranada were drafted at 76th and 77th, respectively.

John Amores is picked over Kyt Jimenez and Nikko Paranada 🤣

— Ty (@ty_ired) September 17, 2023

Sports fan @volleyaddict18 sums it all up well. 

"Hopefully John Amores makes the most out of this HUGE opportunity to play in the pros. Bench man o hindi." 

You know God has plans for you despite of all the mistakes you've done in your life. Hopefully John Amores makes the most out of this HUGE opportunity to play in the pros. Bench man o hnd.

— volleyaddict18 (@volleyaddict18) September 17, 2023

It's clear by now that there are still some who are not happy that Amores was given a chance given how grave his offense was. But he's here now. It's up to him if he'll stay.