Amores makes PBA return, inks deal with Giant Risers

Controversial shooting guard John Amores gets a second chance in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

The former Jose Rizal University standout signed with Titan Ultra for the Season 50 Governors’ Cup, making his return to the league more than a year following his suspension due to his involvement in a shooting incident in Laguna back in 2024.

The 51st overall pick in the 2023 Draft formally inked a deal with the Giant Risers, which bought the NorthPort franchise that owns the rights to Amores, on Wednesday.

“A new chapter starts now. Welcome back to the PBA, John Amores,” Titan Ultra wrote on its social media post.

“Welcome to the Titan Ultra Giant Risers family. Let’s get to work.”

Amores is expected to see action today when Titan Ultra takes on Terrafirma in the opening tip of the double-header tournament opener at the Ynares Center-Antipolo.

The 6-foot-2 Amores got his professional license back earlier this week after complying with the requirements set by the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) for his reinstatement.

He was required to do community service and charity work while undergoing psychological and psychiatric consultations for his rehabilitation.

With a new license, the PBA cleared Amores to join the Giant Risers for the season-ending conference.

Two years ago, Amores and his brother were involved in a shooting incident in a barangay basketball game in Laguna.

There was no casualty in the shooting but the siblings were slapped with attempted homicide.

The PBA suspended Amores without pay and his GAB license was revoked in the aftermath.

In 2022, Amores, who was then playing for Jose Rizal University, went on a punching spree during a game against College of Saint Benilde in the National Collegiate Athletic Association that led to his permanent ban from the league.