From rehab to rings, Amos and Baclaan defy odds to help La Salle win UAAP title

Embodying the phrase ‘no pain, no gain’, Mason Amos and Kean Baclaan returned from the unlikeliest of circumstances to play a big part in De La Salle University winning this year’s UAAP men’s basketball championship.

In back-to-back games during the elimination rounds, La Salle was dragged into unchartered territory when both their prized recruits went down due to Medial Collateral Ligament injuries.

Despite having differences of severity on such injuries, it was feared that Amos and Baclaan would not be able to suit up in Green and White colors again this year.

But these two warriors refused to leave their brothers behind.

Cheered on by La Salle coaches, doctors, therapists, and fans alike, Amos and Baclaan stamped their return to the court by hitting clutch free throws to put the best-of-three finals against University of the Philippines to bed.

A transferee from Ateneo de Manila University, Amos is proud to have been part of La Salle’s historic feat and said that he had no regrets in making the move to Taft Avenue.

“I’m only part of their journey also. I’m forever thankful for what they did and how they really worked their way up even without me and Kean…Everything happens for a reason,” the forward said.

“You know, I made a decision and it worked out for me and I’m forever thankful for that…No regrets.”

As for Baclaan, from thinking about giving up basketball for good to becoming a collegiate champion, the guard is glad that all the unseen hours in the medical table has bore fruit.

“Sobrang speechless ako. Nung buzzer, naisip ko lang na sobrang worth it lahat ng pinaghirapan namin ni Mason.”

“Rehab kami everyday, twice a day. Yung hirap niya, ‘di mo siya made-describe kasi ikaw as a player parang ayaw mong mangyari sayo yun eh. Pero talagang pinilit namin ni Mason na makabalik para makatulong sa team. Sobrang worth it,” Baclaan acclaimed.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News