Former Ateneo big man Mason Amos during their UAAP Season 86 game against La Salle, November 18, 2023 at the Araneta Coliseum. UAAP Media/File

MANILA -- Mason Amos can count on the support and love of the La Sallian community even as he continues to deal with the backlash from his decision to transfer from the Ateneo de Manila University.

This is the assurance made by Green Archers coach Topex Robinson, who has been guiding Amos in the wake of his high-profile move from Katipunan to Taft last July.

"That was a big decision that he made during the postseason," Robinson told ABS-CBN News ahead of the start of UAAP Season 87. 

Amos was tipped to be a key member of the Ateneo Blue Eagles after a promising rookie campaign in UAAP Season 86, where he posted averages of 8.87 points and 3.4 rebounds per contest. 

READ: Mason Amos bids Ateneo goodbye

READ: Mason Amos sorry for 'unacceptable actions' in La Salle transfer

But he decided to leave for La Salle just before Season 87, despite having participated in Ateneo's build-up to the men's basketball tournament. The move came as a shock to his teammates and the Ateneo coaching staff, with sources confirming that they were not informed by Amos ahead of time of his intent to leave. 

Amos would later issue a public apology, conceding that his actions "were unacceptable and not called for." 

The big man was widely criticized for the move, and even months afterward Amos is still feeling the backlash, according to his coach.

"What he did is not for everyone," said Robinson. "You really have to have a solid group, a support group to go through that process. Even up to now, he's still facing it."

"Ang sa amin lang is we want to make sure that we support him," he added. "The only thing that we could give him is the support he has from the La Sallian community [who] shows love for him."

"He really needs it right now, so 'yun 'yung binibigay namin sa kaniya, the support."

READ: Ravena, Ildefonso, Chiu give their take on Amos’ transfer from Ateneo to La Salle

But the ramifications of Amos' transfer are not limited to criticisms and pointed social media comments from fans. The UAAP has made official a new rule that will cut two years from a transferee's eligibility as opposed to just one, meaning Amos' time in La Salle may be shorter than he expected.

Robinson is not a fan of the rule change, noting that it limits the freedom of student-athletes. Nonetheless, he respects the UAAP's decision and says they will focus on maximizing the time that Amos will have with the Green Archers.

"Ang commitment ko sa kaniya is to make sure the years he's gonna lose because of eligibility, it's something that we're gonna aim [for], not only me and him but as a community," said Robinson. "Everybody loves him in La Salle."

READ: UAAP to implement stricter rules on player transfers starting Season 87

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