Mason Amos explained his decision to transfer from Katipunan to Taft.
Mason Amos is not expecting forgiveness, but hopes at least for understanding.
The young big man on Friday finally addressed his shocking transfer from the Ateneo Blue Eagles to the DLSU Green Archers, a move which rocked the college basketball community.
“It’s been a tough week with a decision I made due to my reasons. However, my actions were unacceptable and not called for,” the 6-foot-7 big man wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
"Although I did mention the offer to the management, they weren't informed about my final decision as well as my teammates because I felt that it was a personal decision for me and my family," he added.
Mason’s sudden bolt from Katipunan to Taft brought mixed reactions to the college basketball community, prompting messages and questions of loyalty--especially from former Ateneo players.
"Wala [na bang] pride [ang] mga players ngayon? 🤡" Two-time UAAP champion SJ Belangel commented.
[ALSO READ: SJ Belangel, Ateneo teammates voice out reactions to Mason Amos’ transfer to DLSU]
In response, the Gilas Pilipinas big man cleared his Instagram grid but left an IG Story on how "99% of people who judge you have no idea what's going on in your life".
[Instagram Story | @mason_amos21]
On Friday, Mason explicitly addressed the matter.
“However, I will apologize for not being considerate. To my teammates, coaches, the community, and the alumni, I am sorry for my actions and I will own up to a mistake that could’ve been handled better,” he wrote.
“I don’t expect forgiveness but I just hope for understanding. I do love Ateneo and I wish all the best.”
On Monday, July 1, Amos bid farewell to the Blue Eagles in a stunning move after just one season, which saw them reached the UAAP Season 86 Final Four before falling to the UP Fighting Maroons in the semifinals.
Amos averaged 8.7 points and 3.3 rebounds per game on an efficient 41.5% clip from deep in his rookie year with Ateneo. He is currently in Riga, Latvia as part of Gilas Pilipinas’ FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament campaign alongside future La Salle teammate Kevin Quiambao.