Rookie Juan Gomez de Liano wasted no time making his mark in the PBA, recording a triple-double in his Converge debut en route to claiming the first Player of the Week honors in PBA Season 50.
Talk about making an early statement.
Thanks to his historic debut, Converge rookie Juan Gómez de Liaño was named the first PBA Press Corps-Pilipinas Live Player of the Week in the season-opening Philippine Cup for the period of Oct. 5–12.
The no. 2 pick of the PBA Season 50 Draft recorded a triple-double of 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists in the FiberXers' 129-92 rout of the Titan Ultra Giant Risers in their tournament opener.
With this, Gómez de Liaño became the first PBA player ever to debut with a triple-double, and the first rookie since former MVP Scottie Thompson of the Barangay Ginebra to register a triple-double.
[ALSO READ: Juan GDL on historic triple-double: 'Not a bad way to start my PBA career']
The 25-year-old lefty earned the weekly citation over other notable standouts, including Magnolia’s Zav Lucero, Rain or Shine’s Caelan Tiongson, and teammate Justin Arana.
Despite his individual brilliance, Gomez de Liano credited the team for the emphatic win.
“I think it’s a total team effort, and I give props and credit to our coaching staff and especially our players. We were able to execute the game plan and focused a lot on our defense. I’m happy we got the W,” Juan DGL said.
Converge now looks ahead to its next challenge, facing the mighty TNT Tropang 5G on Saturday, Oct. 18, in an out-of-town clash in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE, RESULTS | PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup details, where to watch, rosters, and more]
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.