Gilas Pilipinas will enter the next stage of its FIBA World Cup qualifying campaign with a familiar face stepping into a larger role.
Juan Gomez de Liaño has been promoted to the national team’s Final 12 after Scottie Thompson was forced to withdraw due to injury, creating an opening that the Converge guard is no stranger to filling.
While Thompson’s absence leaves a significant void in terms of experience, versatility, and leadership, it also presents another chance for Gomez de Liaño to continue building his place within the national team setup.
The roster adjustment comes after a physically demanding stretch for Thompson, who helped lead Barangay Ginebra to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup championship in a grueling seven-game Finals series against TNT.
Already dealing with a hamstring issue, Thompson absorbed another blow early in the deciding Game 7 when an accidental collision with TNT veteran Kelly Williams left him with a cut beneath his eye. Despite the injury scare, he remained on the floor and played a key role in Ginebra’s title-clinching victory, a performance that ultimately earned him his third Finals MVP award.
With Thompson sidelined, Gilas turns to a player who made a strong impression during the previous qualifying window.
Gomez de Liaño emerged as one of the team’s bright spots during its tightly contested matchup against New Zealand, finishing with 10 points and two assists while connecting on two three-pointers in the 69-66 defeat.
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Juan Gomez de Liano has been named to the Gilas Pilipinas Final 12 for the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers Window 3 after Earl Scottie Thompson was ruled out due to injury.
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Although his offensive numbers dipped against Australia, he continued to contribute in other areas, collecting four rebounds and two assists while showing the versatility that has made him a valuable option for the national team.
His performances did not go unnoticed.
Head coach Tim Cone previously described Gomez de Liaño as a “special talent,” signaling confidence in the 26-year-old guard’s long-term future within the Gilas program.
Now, with another opportunity in front of him, Gomez de Liaño will be tasked with helping stabilize a roster preparing for two of its toughest assignments yet.
Despite losses to New Zealand and Australia in the second window, Gilas secured progression to the next stage after New Zealand’s victory over Guam. The Philippines currently holds a 2-2 record and remains firmly in contention as the race toward the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup continues.
The national team resumes action on July 3 in Auckland against New Zealand before traveling to Perth for a rematch with Australia on July 6.
For Gomez de Liaño, those games represent more than just another call-up. They offer another chance to prove he can become a consistent piece of Gilas Pilipinas moving forward.
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