Former Blue Eagle, Kiefer Ravena, shared his thoughts on the situation, acknowledging the strong emotions involved but refraining from passing judgment on Amos’ choice. Ravena, who has made notable transitions in his own basketball career, understands the complexities and personal considerations that influence such decisions. “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,” Ravena said during a training session with Strong Group Athletics at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong. He emphasized that without knowing Amos’ personal reasons for transferring, it’s not his place to judge, and he supports younger players in making the best decisions for their careers.
Ravena’s insights are shaped by his own experiences. Before joining Ateneo, he was a student at La Salle Greenhills and could have pursued his basketball career there. However, he chose to move to Ateneo, where he played from high school through college, winning five titles—three in high school and two with the senior team. In his professional career, Ravena made another significant move by leaving the NLEX Road Warriors to play in the Japan B.League. Reflecting on these decisions, Ravena said, “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. 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.”
Similarly, Dave Ildefonso, another former Blue Eagle, shared his perspective on Amos’ transfer. Ildefonso, who previously transferred from National University (NU) to Ateneo, also understands the dynamics of such decisions. His move proved fruitful, as he played a key role in helping Ateneo secure the UAAP Season 85 title. Ildefonso, now declaring for the PBA Draft, expressed empathy towards Amos’ situation. “For me, I can’t really speak against it because I came from NU then transferred to Ateneo. I might be bashed as a hypocrite,” he said. “I have no problem with the move because, as a player, you decide where you want to play and what you want to do, and of course, the best opportunities for you and your family.”
Both Ravena and Ildefonso highlight the importance of personal and professional growth in a player’s career decisions. Their experiences underscore that such moves, while sometimes controversial, are often driven by the desire to pursue better opportunities and achieve personal goals. Amos’ decision to leave Ateneo, whether influenced by potential better prospects at De La Salle or other personal reasons, aligns with the broader narrative of athletes making strategic choices for their future.
In summary, the reactions of former Blue Eagles Kiefer Ravena and Dave Ildefonso to Mason Amos’ departure from Ateneo reflect a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in transferring schools. Both players emphasize the importance of supporting athletes in making decisions that they believe will benefit their careers, even if these decisions involve moving from one institution to another. Their perspectives, grounded in their own experiences of making similar moves, offer a supportive and empathetic view of Amos’ situation.
Former Blue Eagle, Kiefer Ravena, shared his thoughts on the situation, acknowledging the strong emotions involved but refraining from passing judgment on Amos’ choice. Ravena, who has made notable transitions in his own basketball career, understands the complexities and personal considerations that influence such decisions. “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,” Ravena said during a training session with Strong Group Athletics at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong. He emphasized that without knowing Amos’ personal reasons for transferring, it’s not his place to judge, and he supports younger players in making the best decisions for their careers.
Ravena’s insights are shaped by his own experiences. Before joining Ateneo, he was a student at La Salle Greenhills and could have pursued his basketball career there. However, he chose to move to Ateneo, where he played from high school through college, winning five titles—three in high school and two with the senior team. In his professional career, Ravena made another significant move by leaving the NLEX Road Warriors to play in the Japan B.League. Reflecting on these decisions, Ravena said, “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. 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.”
Similarly, Dave Ildefonso, another former Blue Eagle, shared his perspective on Amos’ transfer. Ildefonso, who previously transferred from National University (NU) to Ateneo, also understands the dynamics of such decisions. His move proved fruitful, as he played a key role in helping Ateneo secure the UAAP Season 85 title. Ildefonso, now declaring for the PBA Draft, expressed empathy towards Amos’ situation. “For me, I can’t really speak against it because I came from NU then transferred to Ateneo. I might be bashed as a hypocrite,” he said. “I have no problem with the move because, as a player, you decide where you want to play and what you want to do, and of course, the best opportunities for you and your family.”
Both Ravena and Ildefonso highlight the importance of personal and professional growth in a player’s career decisions. Their experiences underscore that such moves, while sometimes controversial, are often driven by the desire to pursue better opportunities and achieve personal goals. Amos’ decision to leave Ateneo, whether influenced by potential better prospects at De La Salle or other personal reasons, aligns with the broader narrative of athletes making strategic choices for their future.
In summary, the reactions of former Blue Eagles Kiefer Ravena and Dave Ildefonso to Mason Amos’ departure from Ateneo reflect a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in transferring schools. Both players emphasize the importance of supporting athletes in making decisions that they believe will benefit their careers, even if these decisions involve moving from one institution to another. Their perspectives, grounded in their own experiences of making similar moves, offer a supportive and empathetic view of Amos’ situation.
