Juan Gomez de Liaño relishes Gilas return despite losses to New Zealand, Australia

MANILA, Philippines – Four years removed from his last Gilas Pilipinas stint, Juan Gomez de Liaño donned the national team colors once again in the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. 

Although it wasn’t the outcome Gomez de Liaño and the rest of the Nationals had hoped for after going winless in their two home games at the Mall of Asia Arena, the 26-year-old guard remained grateful for the opportunity to suit up for the Philippines anew.

“It’s really an honor to represent the Philippines. Two tough games, but I feel like it’s a learning experience,” Gomez de Liaño told reporters after Gilas’ 93-66 loss to Australia on Sunday, March 1. 

“I’m still happy for the guys, we fought hard until the end, but we fell short.”

In his first game back for Gilas since 2022, Gomez de Liaño was one of the few bright spots for the Nationals in their 69-66 loss to New Zealand on Thursday, February 26.  

In that contest, Gomez de Liaño was one of three Gilas players who scored in double figures with 10 points on 4-of-11 shooting, to go with 2 assists and 1 rebound in close to 15 minutes of play.

His performance in that game even drew praise from Gilas head coach Tim Cone, who called Gomez de Liaño a “special talent,” while also saying the Converge FiberXers star is going to be a “mainstay” on the national team. 

Gomez de Liaño, however, failed to replicate his performance on Sunday as he went scoreless against the Boomers after missing all his four attempts from the field, although he added 4 rebounds and 2 assists in over 11 minutes of action. 

“I think Australia just did a good job with their scouting report. They prepared a lot too so I give credit to them,” said Gomez de Liaño. 

Despite going 0-2 in the second window, the Nationals are already qualified for the second round of the Asia Cup Qualifiers, following Guam’s defeat at the hands of New Zealand in the other Group A matchup on Sunday.

Now holding a 2-2 record, Gomez de Liaño and the rest of Gilas eye payback when they go up against New Zealand and Australia anew in the third window in July. – Rappler.com