'Special talent': Juan GDL expected to do more for Gilas in FIBA WC Qualifiers

Juan Gomez de Liaño did not disappoint in his Gilas Pilipinas comeback in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers Thursday night, Feb. 26.

He ended up with 10 points, a rebound and two assists in a match that nearly went the Nationals' way behind their late fightback, before New Zealand preserved a 69-66 count for the win.

“He was one of the best, if not the best, player in our whole practice camp. So we’re not surprised what came out,” said Gilas head coach Tim Cone in the post-game press conference at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

[RELATED STORY: Gilas coach Cone finds no reason to be happy despite near miss vs New Zealand]

Juan Gomez de Liaño and the rest of Gilas will shift their focus on their match against Australia in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports

Upon checking in midway in the opening period, De Liaño dazzled fans right away with an up-and-under finish at the rim.

Cone believes that the Converge rising star will continue to impress.

“Remember, this is his first game in front a big crowd (with a) lot of pressure. He’s going to get comfortable, and he's going to do a lot more,” Cone said.

“He did a lot, but he’s going to do a lot more going forward. He’s a special talent.”

[RELATED STORY: Cjay Perez, Gilas move on from loss to NZ, brace for Australia in FIBA WC Qualifiers]

Gilas Pilipinas failed to book an outright trip to the second round and wound up with a 2-1 record ahead of their match against Australia Sunday, March 1.

Match fires off at 7:30 p.m., also at the MOA Arena.

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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.