John Amores knows that people will never forget his past.
But life goes on for him.
“‘Yung nangyari sa’kin, nasa utak na ng tao ‘yun. ‘Di na mawawala sa tao ‘yun, lalo na sa mga fans,” offered the 24-year-old guard.
“Pero sa akin naman, wala na e. Alam ko naman sa sarili ko na ‘yung sa nagawa ko, pinagsisihan ko na ‘yun, at kailangan ko itama.”
Hardly affected by criticisms here and there, Amores remains focused on taking the next step of his career – trying to enter the PBA.
It hasn’t been a full year since that infamous brawl in the NCAA, but the JRU student believes that it could be the right time for him to take the leap.
Not before a lengthy contemplation. though.
“Pinag-isipan ko rin talaga,” he told reporters during the Draft Combine’s final day at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong, Wednesday.
“Una kasi, hindi talaga ako magpapa-draft. Ayun din ang suggestion sa akin… E sabi ko naman sa sarili ko, baka ito na ‘yung right [time[ na makapag-join ako.
“Subukan ko lang, kasi wala namang mawawala eh,” he added. “Kung hindi man makuha, OK lang. Pero gagawin ko ‘yung makakaya ko para makuha.”
Amores is among the known names in the 128-man field of applicants hoping to hear their names called in the draft proceedings on Sunday.
Regardless of his derailed Heavy Bombers stint, he’s coming in with more experience under his belt following stints here and abroad.
A month after being suspended indefinitely by the NCAA, the Pagsanjan-native joined Zamboanga in the ASEAN Basketball League.
(C) ABL
Following that campaign, Amores took his act to the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League by signing with Muntinlupa.
(C) MPBL
Still, he thinks that there’s plenty of work needed as far as skills are concerned, as he hopes to fulfill the needs of whichever team picks him.
“Sana mapunan ko kung ano yung pagkukulang ng team nila. Sana makatulong ako,” he said.
“Siguro magfo-focus ako sa depensa kasi… although nandiyan yung offense, ‘yun pa rin ‘yung mas kailangan kong iimprove.
“Kailangan mas double effort ako, kung ano ‘yung sipag ko kasi yun yung di mo mawo-work out kasi nasa sarili mo na ‘yun — ‘yung sipag, yung tiyaga, na kailangan mong kunin para sa goal,” Amores added.
