Converge rookie Juan Gomez de Liaño looked like a man among boys when he made his much-awaited PBA debut against Titan Ultra in the Season 50 Philippine Cup.
It was a fitting opening salvo for debuting Juan Gomez de Liaño Friday night, Oct. 11.
Gomez de Liaño submitted a triple-double outing in Converge’s 129-92 win over Titan Ultra in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Montalban.
The No. 2 overall pick wound up with 15 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists for the FiberXers, who led by as many as 39 points to notch their first win.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: Juan Gomez de Liaño drops triple-double as Converge crushes Titan Ultra]
As impressive as the feat was, the first-ever for any rookie in the league, Gomez de Liaño refused to hog the credit.
“I think it's a total team effort. And I give props and credit to our coaching staff, especially our players,” he said during the post-game press conference.
“We were able to execute the game plan, and we focused on our defense. And I think we emphasized on that really well today. I'm happy we got the W tonight.”
[ALSO READ: PBA: Delta Pineda optimistic with Converge’s future with addition of Juan Gomez de Liaño]
Aiming for the historic triple-double
Gomez de Liaño admitted chasing the feat.
“Towards late in the game, I was informed that I needed, like, a couple more rebounds and assists. So I asked the coaches if I could just play the game, and I'm glad they allowed me,” said the crafty guard, who also put up a triple-double once in the UAAP and the PBA D-League with Marinerong Pilipino.
“Not a bad way to start my PBA career, especially Gov's (Delta Pineda) first win as a head coach.”
Just as happy was debuting head coach Delta Pineda, who joined his prized rookie and Justin Arana inside the press room.
“Siyempre, masayang-masaya. Actually nagwu-worry na nga ako doon sa oras niya pero hiningi niya sa akin 'to, kaya ibinigay ko na. Masaya kaming lahat,” Pineda said.
But while all eyes were on JGDL, Arana also quietly put up import-like numbers as he logged 28 points and a career-high 22 rebounds.
Schonny Winston had 16 points, while Justine Baltazar was equally impressive with his 15 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and three blocks.
“As players, we're kind of just enjoying the game. Everyone's happy, everyone gets their chance to just play the game the right way,” said Gomez de Liaño.
The win saw Titan ace Joshua Munzon’s 31-point effort go down the drain.
Munzon also had five rebounds and three assists as he tried to make up for the absence of Calvin Abueva, who suffered an extended hamstring in the opening period.
Converge vs Titan Scores:
CONVERGE 129 – Arana 28, Winston 16, Gomez de Liano 15, Baltazar 15, Stockton 13, Racal 12, Suerte 8, Garcia 6, Raflores 5, Javillonar 5, Delos Santos 2, Caralipio 2, Monje 2, Santos 0
TITAN 92 – Munzon 31, Cuntapay 9, Melecio 7, Yu 7, Balanza 7, Flores 5, Bringas 4, Ambohot 4, Martinez 4, Sumang 3, Abueva 2, Pessumal 2, Ular 2, Barasi 0
Quarterscores: 29-20, 60-41, 91-62, 129-92
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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.