Juan Gomez de Liaño impressed coach Tim Cone, both as a player for Converge in the PBA and as a newbie in the Gilas Pilipinas pool for the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Juan Gomez de Liaño flashed a big smile as he changed from casual wear to a Gilas Pilipinas jersey at the Inspire Sports Academy Saturday, Nov. 22.
While it was not exactly the first time Gomez de Liaño donned the national team colors, the Converge rising star could not help but feel ecstatic to have a shot at representing the country again.
“It’s been overwhelming, honestly. It’s really a blessing to be part of the Gilas pool itself. It’s such a blessing. I’m just glad to be back,” he told One Sports hours before the afternoon practice at the facility inside National University-Laguna.
The feeling was both familiar and different for JDGL, who last played for the Gilas squad under then head coach Chot Reyes in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers in 2023.
Now, Tim Cone is calling the shots for the national team gearing up for the tournament's 2027 edition.
[RELATED STORY: Juan GDL, Quentin Millora-Brown looking good so far for Gilas]
Though he has left Cone impressed so far, Gomez de Liaño admitted he is far from mastering the vaunted yet complex triangle system.
“Still getting familiar with the system, how he runs the offense, all his defensive schemes and stuff like that,” he said.
“I believe it’s been going smooth so far. It’s been, like, five days now. I’m glad I really have good teammates who are there to guide me.”
[ALSO READ: Japeth Aguilar says FIBA WC Qualifiers Window 1 could be his last for Gilas]
The cat-quick guard is relishing the golden opportunity to learn from the winningest coach in the PBA.
“I’m trying to figure out what my role is in the team. For him to recognize my game, it’s a blessing. We all know coach Tim is one of the greats, not just in the Philippines, but internationally,” Gomez de Liaño said.
“I’m pretty much here just to give my best. Just give my 100 percent and help the team whenever I can.”
JGDL is one of the two newest members of the Gilas pool for the first window of the qualifiers, which is set to begin on Nov. 28.
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.