Former Blue Eagles Ravena, Ildefonso give takes on Amos' Ateneo departure

Mason Amos' shock decision to leave Ateneo de Manila University has social media abuzz, especially with reports of a transfer to the school's longtime rival De La Salle University.

The 6-foot-7 Amos played one season for Ateneo, posting averages of 8.87 points, 3.4 rebounds, 0.93 assists, and 0.53 steals, before announcing his departure.

Kiefer Ravena, a former Blue Eagle himself, understands the emotional response to the development but said he can't judge Amos' departure after having made his own crucial moves in his basketball career in the past.

"Siyempre, there will always be a lot of emotions involved. Pagdating sa school, it’s pride. 'Yung loyalty mo nandoon. When you transfer from one school to another, there will always be things that will be said, feelings will be hurt, and bridges burned," Ravena said after Strong Group Athletics' Tuesday training at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong.

"[But] I’m not the one to judge wherever they’re coming from. ‘Di ko naman alam yung story kung bakit sila lumipat. I’m just there to support their careers, especially the younger generations. Kung ano yung sa tingin nilang ikakabuti ng career nila, then why not."

[Of course, there will always be a lot of emotions involved. When it comes to school, it's pride. Your loyalty is there. When you transfer from one school to another, there will always be things that will be said, feelings will be hurt, and bridges burned... I'm not the one to judge wherever they're coming from. I don't know the story of why they moved. I'm just there to support their careers, especially the younger generations. Whatever they think will be good for their career, then why not.]

Ravena knows a thing or two about moving from one team to another.

Before he set foot in Katipunan, Ravena was studying at La Salle Greenhills and could have been a star there had he opted to continue his career in the green and white.

But he decided to move to Ateneo, suiting up for the school from high school until college. In his stay in Ateneo, Ravena captured five titles, three of which came in high school while the other two with the seniors team.

In the professional ranks, Ravena also made a big move when he decided to leave the NLEX Road Warriors and bring his act to the Japan B.League.

"With Mason, as much as I’m an Atenean, he has to make moves for his own career. For all the other players, I’m sure they are all preparing for a bright future ahead," Ravena added.

"I made the move also, maybe on a bigger scale, from one professional league to another because I want to grow, and maybe that’s what Mason is also thinking."

Ildefonso has a similar take.

The 24-year-old star said Amos' move could be what he thinks is best for his budding career. Like Ravena, he too made a huge move before when he left National University to transfer to Ateneo. With the Blue Eagles, Ildefonso was able to help the school win the title in UAAP Season 85.

"For me, hindi ako pwede magsalita kasi galing akong NU tapos nag-Ateneo ako. Baka ma-bash ako na parang hipokrito naman," Ildefonso, who revealed he is declaring for the PBA Draft, said.

"Wala naman akong problema doon sa move kasi as a player ikaw pa rin magde-decide kung saan ka maglalaro and what you wanna do, and siyempre the best opportunities for you and your family."

[For me, I can't really talk because I came from NU and went to Ateneo. I might be bashed as a hypocrite... I don't have a problem with the move because as a player, you're the one to decide where you will play and what you wanna do, and of course, the best opportunities for you and your family.]

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News