During his youth days, Juan Gomez de Liaño was a staple of Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 teams where he competed in FIBA competitions, including the U18 World Cup.
Juan Gomez de Liaño experienced his homecoming in more ways than one when he graced the Pilipinas United 3x3 League over the weekend, playing in the celebrity game with content creators like Rendon Labador and Joel “Malupiton” Ravanera.
That is, much like returning to the Philippines, the former UP standout also made a comeback to a discipline of basketball he earlier associated with himself career-wise — 3x3.
Albeit only competing on an exhibition capacity, Gomez de Liaño relished being able to return to 3x3 in a nostalgic experience after previously competing in multiple competitions, even marquee tournaments where he represented the Philippines.
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The younger Gomez de Liaño, who last played in South Korea with the Seoul SK Knights, said that it was reminiscent of his childhood.
“It just brings back a lot of memories, honestly. Just like what you said, I grew up playing 3x3 in the streets, back home you know I play with my brothers, my friends,” Gomez de Liaño told media.
“This is the brand of basketball that’s you know, Filipino. So it’s just fun to be here,” he added.
Most notably, Gomez de Liaño competed in the FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup back in 2017 where he was teammates with AJ Edu, Rhayyan Amsali, and Florencio Serrano.
They reached the quarterfinals before falling to Belgium, 18-14.
While it was a return to 3x3 last weekend, Gomez de Liaño faces a decision when it comes to his 5-on-5 career.
As he decides where to take his talents to next, with the PBA among his options, Gomez de Liaño said he’s not going to be quite particular about where he ends up.
Rather, the former UAAP Rookie of the Year will leave it all out on the court whoever decides to sign — or draft — him in the coming season.
“Honestly, you know, any team. Whatever team decides to call my name, I’m just 100 percent. I’m gonna give my everything and you know do my best of my ability to represent the club. Any team, it don’t (sic) matter,” he said.