From 2011 to 2014, Baser Amer and the San Beda University won every NCAA men’s basketball title but thanks to Colegio de San Juan de Letran, their bid for a record-setting five-peat run was spoiled.
Letran Knights, then led by Bong Quinto and former head coach Aldin Ayo, scooped the 2015 title against the Red Lions—the school’s first since 2005.
But while Letran may have broken his heart, that did not stop the 6-foot-tall Amer from being a good teammate to Quinto when the two found themselves on the same side with the Meralco Bolts in the PBA.
“When he came to Meralco, I made sure that I would guide him and always tell him that he has a lot of potential and that he can come a long way in the PBA,” said Amer on ‘Rise Up Stronger: The Road to NCAA Season 96’ on Friday.
Quinto, a double-double machine back in his Letran days, seconded that Amer was among the guys who helped him adapt to PBA style of basketball.
“When I arrived at the Meralco, Baser was there and he’s one of the guys who helped me adjust.”
Now, though, they have parted ways since Amer had been traded to Blackwater in exchange for Mac Belo while Quinto remained in the Bolts' camp. With that, they’re now back to being rivals on the court.
And just like their days in the NCAA, they will make sure that every time they step onto the hardwood, they’re mentally and physically prepared.
“We were always prepared if we’re going up against Letran. There was mocking but it was fun when we’re playing against each other,” shared Amer.
“I would say that if Letran and San Beda are going up against each other, arenas would be filled. Games are intense because we’re also fighting for pride,” added Quinto.
Watch GMA Synergy’s ‘Rise Up Stronger: The Road to NCAA Season 96’ every weekday (2:45 p.m.), Saturdays (4:30 p.m.), and Sundays (5:05 p.m.) on GTV.
—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News
