2025-11-17 12:00
What to Expect from Amores in the PBA Draft and His Potential Impact
I remember watching Amores during the UAAP season and thinking, "This kid has something special." Now that he's entering the PBA draft, I can't help but feel excited about what he might bring to the league. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've seen plenty of prospects come and go, but Amores strikes me as different. There's a certain intensity to his game that reminds me of some of the greats who've made their mark in the PBA.
Just last week, I was watching the preseason tournament where Chery Tiggo helped Creamline avoid what could have been an embarrassing situation for the second time. It made me think about how teams in the PBA are always looking for that X-factor player who can change the course of a game. Amores could very well be that player for whichever team drafts him. His college stats were impressive - averaging 18.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game in his final season - but numbers only tell part of the story. What really stands out to me is his basketball IQ and how he reads the game.
I was particularly impressed during that game against UP last November where he scored 28 points despite his team losing. The way he moved without the ball, his defensive awareness, and his ability to create shots under pressure showed me he's ready for the professional level. Some analysts have compared his playing style to a young James Yap, and while I think that's a bit premature, I can see where they're coming from. Both have that natural scoring instinct and aren't afraid to take big shots in crucial moments.
What really excites me about Amores is his potential impact on team dynamics. Looking at how Chery Tiggo has been performing in the preseason, it's clear that having the right mix of players can make all the difference. Teams like Ginebra or San Miguel could really benefit from adding a player of Amores' caliber. Imagine him playing alongside established stars - his energy and scoring ability could be exactly what some of these older teams need to stay competitive.
I've spoken with a few coaches who've worked with him during training camps, and they all mention his work ethic. One coach told me he regularly stays after practice for an extra hour working on his three-point shooting. That dedication is something you can't teach, and it's what separates good players from great ones in the PBA. His shooting percentage from beyond the arc improved from 32% in his sophomore year to 38% in his final season, showing that hard work does pay off.
The PBA has evolved so much in recent years, becoming faster and more perimeter-oriented. This plays right into Amores' strengths. His ability to drive to the basket and finish through contact is something I haven't seen from many local players recently. During the last Fiba Asia Cup, I noticed how international teams were exploiting our lack of athletic wing players - Amores could help address that gap. At 6'4" with a wingspan that's reportedly around 6'8", he has the physical tools to compete at the highest level.
There are areas where he'll need to improve, of course. His assist numbers could be better - averaging only 2.1 per game last season - and he'll need to learn to involve his teammates more at the professional level. But I'm confident he can develop these aspects of his game. The PBA's faster pace and more structured systems might actually help him become a more complete player.
What really sticks with me is that game I watched where his team was down by 15 points in the fourth quarter, and he almost single-handedly brought them back, scoring 12 straight points. That kind of mental toughness is invaluable in the PBA, where games are often decided in the final minutes. The pressure of professional basketball is immense, but from what I've seen, Amores thrives under pressure rather than shrinking from it.
I'm particularly curious to see how he'll adapt to the physicality of the PBA. The league has become much more physical in recent years, and players coming straight from college often struggle initially. But having watched him take some hard fouls and still complete and-ones, I think he'll adjust quickly. His body control when driving to the basket is exceptional for a player his age.
The draft is always unpredictable, but if I were a team executive, I'd be seriously considering Amores in the first round. His combination of scoring ability, athleticism, and that intangible "clutch gene" makes him one of the most promising prospects in recent years. Teams looking to rebuild or add young talent would be smart to take a chance on him. I've seen enough players come through the draft to recognize when someone has that special quality, and Amores definitely has it.
As the PBA continues to grow and evolve, bringing in exciting new talents like Amores is crucial for keeping the league fresh and competitive. His journey from college standout to professional player will be fascinating to watch, and I have a feeling we'll be talking about him for years to come. The way he plays the game - with passion, intensity, and joy - is exactly what Philippine basketball needs right now.
