Baser Amer bids heartfelt farewell to San Beda

MANILA, Philippines – Although he was unable to attain the ideal end to his college career, Baser Amer will be leaving the ivory-clad walls of San Beda College with a wealth of experience and a grateful heart.

Thursday’s game was the last time that Baser Amer would be donning the colors of San Beda, as the Red Lions bowed down to Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the do-or-die Game 3 of the NCAA Season 91 Finals on October 29.

Letran won its first crown since 2005 and 17th overall basketball title by defeating its longtime league rival, 85-82, in overtime, ending San Beda’s 5-year championship reign.

In addition, the Muralla-based Knights spoiled San Beda’s bid for a record-setting sixth-straight basketball championship.

Despite the losing the coveted prize to Letran, Amer had solid numbers for the Jamike Jarin-mentored squadron as he finished with 14 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists and one steal.

(READ: Cruz, Amer: Salute to the NCAA court generals)

Amer also played a pivotal factor in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter as he and fellow graduating Bedan Ola Adeogun sparked an 8-0 run to forge an overtime.

Even though the Red Lions fell short in the 5-minute extension period, Amer stressed that he has no regrets for choosing San Beda and added that he will always be proud to be part of the Bedan community.

“We may not be able to get the championship, but I have no regrets playing for San Beda,” he wrote in an Instagram post. “My journey as a Red Lion ends, but I will always be a proud Bedan.”

PROUD TO BE A BEDAN pic.twitter.com/RZOnqyie8Q

— Baser Amer (@SBCbaseramer) October 29, 2015

Amer was heavily recruited by several schools after a stellar two-year run in the San Beda Red Cubs, but he chose to stay with San Beda and eventually joined the Red Lions.

The 23-year-old native of Davao City copped two-straight NCAA juniors basketball titles with the Red Cubs and also captured the regular season and Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in his final year after averaging 15.6 points, 11.7 assists, 8.3 rebounds and 2.4 steals.

In college, Amer had 4-consecutive seniors championships with the Red Lions from 2011 to 2014 and won the Finals MVP in 2012.

Amer suited up for the NLEX Road Warriors and the Hapee Fresh Fighters in the PBA D-League before being picked up by the Meralco Bolts in the recently-concluded 2015 PBA Draft.

As he sends his heartfelt goodbye to San Beda in his fifth and final year as a Red Lion, Amer remains to be appreciative for the school’s unwavering support despite the heartbreaking defeat in the championship.

“Ang sarap maging Bedista, dun pa lang panalo ka na (I will always be proud to be a Bedan because being one already makes me a winner in itself),” he stated. – Rappler.com