Almost two years ago, I made a blog about John Amores.
I am a stern believer in second chances, and Amores is no exception.
In fact, after going crazy on Benilde's Jimboy Pasturan and Taine Davis which led to his NCAA ban, he changed his ways by playing well for the MPBL's Muntinlupa Cagers.
Yes, the former JRU Heavy Bomber played for the Metro Manila municipality best known as the punishment capital of the Philippines.
Still, Amores was rehabilitated when he played for the squad. He never had the NCAA career of Mark Cagoco and Nate Matute but as far as former JRU players are, Amores not only played in the PBA but had a better pro basketball career compared to Mike Mabulac, Byron Villarias, and Teytey Teodoro.
Amores might have been the 51st pick of the 2023 PBA Draft but he has played respectable minutes for the Northport Batang Pier up until this point. The fact that Northport coach Bonnie Tan chose him over former Letran player Brent Paraiso, knowing that Terrafirma would just pick anything that moves as a trade piece, is batshit insane.
BY THE NUMBERS
SEASON | TEAM | GP | STATS |
2023-2024 | NORTHPORT | 19 | 3.3PPG - 1.5PPG - 0.4APG - 0.2SPG |
2024-2025 | NORTHPORT | 10 | 5.1PPG - 1.5RPG - 0.3APG - 0.5SPG |
These numbers aren't bad considering that he is a 51st pick. Historically, playing in the PBA is an anomaly for any player who has gone past the third round. I know Leo Austria is the only fourth-round pick to win Rookie of the Year honors, undrafted Josh Urbiztondo almost won the award in the 2009-10 PBA season, and I get that Peter June Simon had a Mythical Second Team citation despite starting his pro career as a fifth-round pick. Again, these are rare instances.
Amores, Northport's Damie Cuntapay, Converge's Kamron Vigan-Fleming, and Kyt Jimenez have seen action in the 2024 PBA Governors' Cup despite their draft standing in 2023. Amores and Cuntapay, who averaged 7.2 points and 2.0 rebounds this conference, have had a better PBA career than 2023 higher-ranked players Luis Villegas, Taylor Miller, and JB Bahio. I like how Amores and Cuntapay are making the best out of every opportunity.
This is why this news sucks.
One of my biggest qualms with Northport, and Terrafirma for that matter, is that they stuck with their imports. We don't see Blackwater as bottom-dwelling stinkers at this conference because even if their roster isn't as good as other teams, George King is a bonafide stud. While I know Venky Jois has been with the franchise for some time now, he also played second fiddle to Arvin Tolentino. His highest scoring output is 26 points. This is respectable, except for him scoring six points or less on three occasions. Will Navarro went 6-of-9 in terms of double-digit scoring games this season, and he's NOT an import.
Can you imagine Northport having a better-scoring import that could have towed them to the playoffs?
I can.
Imagine if that happened.
If that's the case, then John Amores wouldn't have been playing basketball with other players because Northport would not allow him since they are still in playoff contention.
WHAT THE HELL NOW?
It's hard to justify a return stint given how the public perceives him now. He should have known better. In a time when CCTV cameras are installed even in the most remote vicinities, carrying a loaded weapon, much less, shooting it in the daytime with a lot of potential victims serving as witnesses is a big no-no.
Amores plays like a lower-tier Rudy Distrito. I know this is a bad comparison due to their images, but in terms of gameplay, I strongly believe that this checks out. Distrito is a two-way player at a time when 3-and-D players are still rare. Amores is one of three Northport players to make a four-point shot on more than one occasion this conference so this means the 25-year-old can develop his shot while still excelling on defense.
But will Northport, or the PBA for that matter, justify his place in the league. As good as he has become, the Philippines is littered with former collegiate star players looking for a shot to make the PBA. In the 2024 PBA Draft alone, I was surprised that no one picked former Perpetual Alta Jielo Razon, or why has the league forgotten about former Mapua star Warren Bonifacio. In Northport, the spot vacated by Amores will have Dave Ildefonso's name imprinted on it if and when he decides to agree to the contract terms.
Eugene Quilban had to look for other basketball opportunities after a scandal forced him out of the league in the mid-'90s.
Jamelle Cornley would have been Rain or Shine's version of Justin Brownlee if only he kept his cool during his intoxication. Billy Ray Bates could have had a fresh start but he "blew" it on some altercation.
Even a player of Bong Alvarez' caliber was "retired" from the league unceremoniously because of his off-court situations.
Say what you want about the PBA's situation but there is a reason why we scrutinize the PBA as compared to other basketball leagues.
Like I said, John Amores should have known better. Even Distrito changed his ways after the incident. Amores has since surrendered to the authorities alongside his brother and while I am not like the other bloggers who would say the worst about him, I don't think the PBA will take a chance at him again.
The PBA is a brand and it needs to distance itself from negative threats. As it stands, the league has yet to figure out its attendance problem. I think its reach has improved though, with RPTV being its dedicated channel and how it executes its social media. While John Amores might generate a new set of eyeballs, the spike will be short-lived and it might harm the actual basketball diehards.
If Amores gets out of the situation though, Northport can either buy his contract out or let him finish his career on the bench. If Amores is that good though, then they have no choice but to use him. He can be our version of Gilbert Arenas.
That said, Arenas was top-tier before the locker room incident. The country is littered with 3-and-D guys from the incoming draft, as well as the super big free agency surplus we know as the MPBL. Again, Dave Ildefonso is the best name to replace him and he is going to be a huge upgrade for him.
In terms of branding, I can see Amores returning to MPBL's Muntinlupa Cagers if he gets out of this predicament. His stint will have another meaning though. That said, the MPBL, historically known for a lot of shady practices from its players and franchises, may also want to distance their selves from the former JRU player.
Amores needs to have a fresh start. He also needs to be at peace with himself, because losing his job because he lost his cool will haunt him for the rest of his life.