John Amores will mostly likely return and play again for the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers next season.
Heavy Bombers head coach Louie Gonzalez said this following daily talks with Amores, and two weeks after the latter started a bench-clearing melee during the second round of the CSB-JRU game in the 98th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.
Amores, who punched four Benilde players has learned a lot from his misdeeds, according to Gonzales, following JRU’s 87-71, clobbering of the defending champion Letran Knights in their last game of the elimination round.
“I am happy that he is doing fine. And hopefully na he’ll be back, hindi ko naman sinasabi na…mali ‘yung nangyari. It’s unfortunate—I think the right word is it’s really unfortunate. Pero si John mabait na tao. Mabait na bata,” said Gonzales.
Gonzales said Amores may have been removed from the JRU roster for now, but he is still attending classes at the school.
Details on Amores’ return are still under discussion, and as JRU rebuilds its lineup for next season.
The Heavy Bombers roster will remain intact for two more seasons, and members of the team are expected to keep on maturity, and the rookies to be able to adjust to the system.
One of their key players, Agem Miranda and Ry de la Rosa, is expected to provide leadership.
For now, playing basketball for JRU has not been discussed with Amores yet.
“The focus right now is paramdam ko lang kay John na nandito kami, na nakasuporta sa kanya. Pero again, we spoke to him na may mali talaga. Merong mali and hindi naman lahat ng tao perpekto, pero alam namin na matututo siya dito sa sitwasyon,” added Gonzales.
The Heavy Bombers went on to have a finish better than last year, in a four-way tie from sixth to ninth places with their 7-11 win-loss record with the Arellano Chiefs, University of Perpetual Help Altas, and the Mapua Cardinals.
Earlier, Amores opened up about his involvement in the incident on PlayItRight TV, admitting that he has been dealing with “big” personal problems.
These problems may have triggered his courtside rage leading to Taine Davis and Jimboy Pasturan getting punched and floored.
“Family problems are part of it, just mixed in with all the others. I haven’t been able to see my baby for a while. I’ve been with her since she was born, taking care of her, and now I’m not and I’m not used to it,” Amores said during the interview.