Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Tag: Juan Gomez de Liano

  • Juan GDL calls for Converge to embrace roles as FiberXers search for answers after fourth straight loss

    Juan GDL calls for Converge to embrace roles as FiberXers search for answers after fourth straight loss

    Converge entered the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup looking like one of the conference’s hottest teams. Less than a month later, the FiberXers are searching for answers after watching a promising start unravel into a four-game losing streak.

     

    Wednesday’s 126-114 defeat to San Miguel Beer dropped Converge to 3-4 in Group A, extending a slide that ironically began against the same Beermen on July 22. Since then, the FiberXers have failed to regain the momentum that fueled their 3-0 opening run.

     

    Despite the result, Juan Gomez de Liano believed the game was still within reach before San Miguel pulled away late.

     

    “I think we just kinda fold towards the end,” he told reporters after the defeat. “In the first three quarters, nandoon naman kami. We struggled a bit, having a good start in the second half. I think those are the main problems as a team.”

     

    San Miguel’s decisive 37-point third quarter ultimately proved too much for Converge to overcome, turning a one-point halftime deficit into a comfortable advantage that the FiberXers never seriously threatened.

     

    The recent skid has also exposed another troubling trend. Converge has yet to defeat a team with a .500 record or better in Group A, with its last victory coming against Macau on July 17.

     

    Rather than pointing to chemistry issues, Gomez de Liano believes the bigger challenge lies in players fully embracing the responsibilities assigned to them.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world. 

     

    Get the latest sports updates faster. Join the official Sports PH News Discord community today! https://discord.gg/defTe7KeT 

    “I think for us, we just have to know our roles and accept it and work towards our roles,” he said. “We have a lot of great players that can do a lot and do damage. But then, that’s the thing, if you have a stacked lineup, you have to figure out what your role is, what’s your purpose in the team and just work towards that.”

     

    “Chemistry-wise, I don’t think we lack chemistry. Like I said, we just fell short in the end.”

     

    The former UP standout has already started making that adjustment himself. Against San Miguel, Gomez de Liano nearly produced a triple-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists while taking on more ball-handling responsibilities.

     

    “For sure, if no one is going to adjust, I’ll be the one. That’s the way I play. I know to do whatever the team needs, and I think that’s my role here: to be that point guard we kinda lack, facilitate, make the right plays, and get my teammates going,” he said.

     

    “That’s just me being the leader of this team. I’m willing to sacrifice. That was the same situation when I was in college,” he added, recalling his stint with a talent-loaded University of the Philippines squad.

     

    With the elimination round entering its crucial stretch, Gomez de Liano remains optimistic that Converge can still reverse its fortunes before the playoff race tightens further.

     

    “We’ve been struggling. We lost four straight games. I think we just need to regroup, head back to the drawing board, take a day off tomorrow, and find ways to get into our rhythm back and win games,” he said.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Juan Gomez de Liano stays grounded despite earning bigger Gilas role 

    Juan Gomez de Liano stays grounded despite earning bigger Gilas role 

    Juan Gomez de Liano may have emerged as one of the biggest revelations for Gilas Pilipinas in the latest FIBA window, but the rookie guard isn’t ready to assume anything.

     

    Fresh from turning heads in the national team’s hard-fought battles against New Zealand and Australia, Gomez de Liano returned to PBA action with Converge on Sunday carrying newfound confidence—but also the same mindset that earned him his opportunity in the first place.

     

    The 24-year-old guard was back in uniform as the FiberXers cruised to a 105-74 victory over Titan Ultra at the Ynares Center in Montalban, days after making what many considered a breakthrough performance in a Gilas jersey.

     

    Against New Zealand, Gomez de Liano delivered under pressure, knocking down two clutch three-pointers that nearly helped the Philippines steal a road victory.

     

    His first triple forced overtime, while his second gave Gilas a chance to complete the upset before the Tall Blacks eventually escaped with a double-overtime win.

     

    The performance quickly sparked conversations about whether Gomez de Liano had secured a permanent place in Tim Cone’s rotation moving forward.

     

    The Converge rookie believes he made a strong case, but knows the decision ultimately rests with the coaching staff.

     

    “Performance-wise, I hope so,” Gomez de Liano said.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    Rather than looking too far ahead, the former UP standout insisted his focus remains on controlling what he can every time he receives a national team call-up.

     

    “Those things are pretty much out of my control,” said the PBA rookie. “If I said it’s out of my control, If I get a call up, I’ll just do my thing and show up and just be there for the guys.

    “It’s out of my control, but you know, I can’t say I’ll screw the spot. So, I’ll just stay calm,” added Gomez de Liano.

     

    The challenge for Gilas only becomes tougher from here.

     

    The Philippines advanced to the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers with a 2-4 record and now finds itself fifth in Group E behind Australia, New Zealand, Iran, and Jordan.

     

    With only three qualifying windows remaining, every game has taken on added significance.

     

    Gilas will face Jordan and Iran at home in late August before taking on Syria later in the qualifying campaign, with each of the three Middle Eastern teams scheduled to meet the Philippines twice.

    For Gomez de Liano, the path to the World Cup leaves little room for error.

     

    “I feel like must win games for us,” Gomez de Liano said. “I don’t think we can afford to lose, you know, those Middle Eastern teams. They know how to play basketball the right way.”

     

    His recent performance may have strengthened his case for a larger role, but Gomez de Liano knows the bigger objective extends beyond individual recognition.

     

    As Gilas enters the most critical stretch of its World Cup campaign, the young guard hopes to turn one impressive qualifying window into a lasting role in the national team’s pursuit of a place on basketball’s biggest stage.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Tim Cone encouraged by Gilas youngsters as Australia challenge awaits 

    Tim Cone encouraged by Gilas youngsters as Australia challenge awaits 

    The result stung, but for Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone, Friday’s heartbreaking double-overtime loss to New Zealand also revealed something far more encouraging — the next generation of the national team is beginning to arrive.

     

    Despite falling 106-102 to the Tall Blacks in Auckland to slip to 2-3 in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Gilas drew optimism from the emergence of its young core, with Juan Gomez de Liaño, Kevin Quiambao, and Carl Tamayo carrying much of the offensive load throughout the marathon contest.

     

    Cone believes performances like these are exactly what the program has been building toward.

    “That’s how you evolve a team, right? You try to win with your veterans and you develop your young guys. Our young guys have been developing over the last year and a half, two years. Every time they’ve come into a window, they’ve gotten better,” Cone said.

     

    The trio delivered one of their best collective outings in a Gilas uniform.

     

    Gomez de Liaño finished with a team-high 23 points, matching Quiambao’s output while also adding six rebounds, four assists, and a steal. He repeatedly answered New Zealand’s runs with timely baskets, including clutch shots late in regulation and the first overtime that kept the Philippines alive.

     

    Quiambao continued to showcase his all-around game, contributing 23 points along with three rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block, while Tamayo chipped in 17 points, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal.

     

    For Cone, their steady rise has exceeded expectations.

     

    “They have evolved along with the team. That was the vision from the very beginning when we put this team together. That they, at one point, would be the main guys,” said Cone.

     

    “It may be coming a little more quickly than we thought, but they are certainly stepping up and playing at a much higher level than they were when they were first on the team. We’re real proud of those young guys for continuing to improve.”

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    The coach admitted, however, that the progress offered little consolation after Gilas let another opportunity against New Zealand slip away.

     

    After losing another tight contest to the Tall Blacks — who now own an 8-1 advantage in the all-time head-to-head series — Cone acknowledged just how close the Philippines came to stealing a crucial road victory.

     

    “It would have been nice to be able to come down here and steal a game. That would have been special. And the fact that we got as close as we did obviously is a huge disappointment,” he said.

    “Once you feel like it’s in your grasp and you let it slip away, it makes it tough. We had chances in both overtimes. Regulation and overtime to win that basketball game and we just came up short.”

    Still, Cone refused to question his team’s effort after watching Gilas battle one of Oceania’s toughest squads for 50 minutes.

     

    “The bottom line was our guys came to play. They expended an incredible amount of energy just staying in the game,” he said.

     

    Gilas now shifts its attention to another daunting challenge as it closes out the first round of qualifiers against Australia on Monday.

     

    The Philippines has already secured a place in the second round but hopes to snap its three-game losing streak before carrying its record into the next phase of the World Cup qualifying campaign.

     

    Meanwhile, New Zealand officially clinched its own second-round berth by improving to 3-2 behind Reuben Te Rangi, who paced the Tall Blacks with 22 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal. The Kiwis will face Guam in their final first-round assignment on Monday.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Juan Gomez de Liano reunites with familiar faces in Gilas call-up 

    Juan Gomez de Liano reunites with familiar faces in Gilas call-up 

    Juan Gomez de Liano’s  latest Gilas Pilipinas call-up is about more than replacing an injured player on the roster.

     

    It is also about reconnecting with teammates whose basketball journeys have been intertwined with his for years.

     

    After being named as Scottie Thompson’s replacement for Window 3 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, Gomez de Liano finds himself sharing the national team locker room once again with Justine Baltazar and RJ Abarrientos—two players who were part of a memorable chapter in Gilas history.

     

    “Super excited,” he said during the team’s send-off press conference at the FilOil Centre.

     

    The trio were members of the young Gilas squad assembled by Tab Baldwin in 2021, a team that earned praise for its performances in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers and later competed in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Serbia.

     

    While that group has since gone its separate ways across different leagues and teams, Window 3 offers a rare opportunity to bring those connections back together.

     

    Among the reunions, Gomez de Liano’s partnership with Baltazar may be the most familiar.

    The two first became teammates during the Asia Cup Qualifiers bubble in Bahrain at the height of the pandemic. Years later, they now share the same colors once more—not only in Gilas but also with Converge in the PBA.

     

    Having spent significant time together on the court, Gomez de Liano believes that chemistry could prove valuable for the national team.

     

    “The last time we represented the country was when we went to Bahrain during the pandemic,” recalled the former KBL and B.League import.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    “Now we’re teammates not just with Gilas but in Converge in the PBA.

     

    “Super excited. I’m very familiar with how he plays; I know his spots, I know how to get him going. Just blessed to be here with Balti as well.”

     

    Abarrientos brings a different dynamic to the reunion.

     

    The two recently found themselves on opposite sides of a heated PBA playoff battle, with Abarrientos helping Barangay Ginebra capture the Commissioner’s Cup championship after an impressive conference that earned him Best Player of the Conference honors.

     

    Now, instead of competing against each other, they will work toward the same goal.

     

    Gomez de Liano believes Abarrientos’ growth since their previous Gilas stint has made him an even more valuable piece for the national team.

     

    “The impact RJ brings, he won the Best Player of the Conference this last conference,” Gomez de Liano said.

     

    “He’s very smart, and he creates for others as well. I think we play really well together … Super excited.”

     

    As Gilas prepares for difficult road assignments against New Zealand and Australia, familiarity may become one of its biggest strengths.

     

    For Gomez de Liano, the upcoming qualifiers represent another opportunity to contribute to the national team. But they also serve as a reminder of how far he and his fellow 2021 Gilas standouts have come—from promising young prospects to established professionals now being called upon once again to represent the country on the international stage.

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Juan Gomez de Liaño steps into Gilas lineup as Scottie Thompson sits out 

    Juan Gomez de Liaño steps into Gilas lineup as Scottie Thompson sits out 

    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.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    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.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Juan Gomez de Liano shows progress as Converge regains rhythm in crucial playoff push

    Juan Gomez de Liano shows progress as Converge regains rhythm in crucial playoff push

    After a brief setback, Juan Gomez de Liano is steadily finding his footing again—and just in time for Converge’s push in the standings.


    Coming off a right knee contusion that sidelined him for three games, the young guard has begun to reestablish his presence for the FiberXers. 

     

    His return was highlighted in their dominant 103-82 victory over Titan Ultra at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, where he contributed 15 points, seven rebounds, and two assists in a balanced team effort.

     

    The injury traced back to their loss against Terrafirma last March, forcing Gomez de Liano to undergo an MRI evaluation and a period of recovery before being cleared to return. While not yet at full strength, his recent outings suggest a player gradually regaining rhythm.

     

    Prior to the Titan win, Gomez de Liano also showed flashes of form despite a 120-111 loss to league leader Rain or Shine, tallying 14 points, three rebounds, and four assists.

     

    “I’m getting there. As long as it’s not getting any worse, (I’m fine), there’s always progress every day. Always trying to get one-percent better. I’m about 70-percent still, but slowly getting back to game shape,” de Liano said.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.


    For a Converge squad trying to stay alive in the playoff race, his return couldn’t have come at a better time. The team improved to 2-5, snapping a five-game skid with the emphatic win over Titan and showing signs of cohesion after weeks of inconsistency.

     

    Head coach Delta Pineda emphasized that the team’s steady improvement isn’t accidental, pointing to their tightening chemistry and closer statistical outputs in recent games.

     

    “Talagang wala nang tigil ang dasal para makuha po ‘yung pangalawang panalo. ’Yung stats namin hindi na nalalayo the last four games. Unti-unti, ‘yung chemistry ng mga bata, na-bi-build na po,” Converge’s head coach Delta Pineda said.

     

    The timing is crucial, with Converge currently sitting at 10th place and facing a tough stretch ahead, including matchups against Magnolia and TNT.

     

    Gomez de Liano’s return also coincides with the availability of Calvin Abueva, giving the FiberXers a much-needed boost in experience and versatility. With the roster nearing full strength, expectations are rising for the team to finally convert competitive performances into consistent wins.

     

    Beyond this current conference, Gomez de Liano has already proven to be a cornerstone for the franchise. The former No. 2 overall pick made an immediate impact in his rookie season, delivering triple-doubles and even erupting for a 32-point performance in a win over Barangay Ginebra, showcasing his ability to take over games.

     

    Now, as he works his way back to full health, Converge is banking on Gomez de Liano to once again orchestrate their offense and help steer the team back into playoff contention—one steady step at a time.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

      Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!

  • Juan Gomez de Liano takes cautious road to recovery as injury stalls strong start

    Juan Gomez de Liano takes cautious road to recovery as injury stalls strong start

    For Juan Gomez de Liano, the challenge right now isn’t about putting up numbers—it’s about knowing when to stop.

     

    After a promising start with the Converge FiberXers, the guard remains sidelined for the second straight game due to a bone contusion in his right knee—an injury that has proven more persistent than expected. 

     

    In his absence, Converge absorbed a narrow 103-99 defeat to the San Miguel Beermen, sliding to a 1-3 record in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    Gomez de Liano traced the injury back to their March 14 outing against the Terrafirma Dyip, where Converge fell 111-100 in overtime. 

     

    Despite taking a knee-to-knee hit during that game, he pushed through and finished the contest before feeling the full effects afterward.

     

    “Knee to knee siya. Malakas ang impact. Adrenaline lahat kaya I played the rest of the game (against Terrafirma). After the game, I was so sore,” said Gomez de Liano.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.


    Initially expecting a quick return, the 24-year-old admitted recovery has taken longer than anticipated, forcing him to take a more careful approach.

     

    “Bone contusion against Terrafirma. It’s going to take awhile to heal. I thought I will be back in a week. But there is still pain in certain movements so I’m not rushing it,” he said.

     

    While medical timelines suggest bone contusions can heal in at least two weeks depending on severity, Gomez de Liano emphasized that his case is not serious—but still requires patience.

    “It’s not a major (injury) but it will take awhile to heal,” said Gomez de Liano.

     

    With no clear timetable for his return, his availability for upcoming games—including a potential matchup against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel—remains uncertain. 

     

    That matchup carries added weight, given his standout performance against Ginebra in the previous conference where he averaged 27.5 points in their quarterfinal series.

     

    For now, Gomez de Liano is choosing caution over urgency, prioritizing full recovery as Converge navigates a challenging stretch without one of its key playmakers.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

      Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!  

  • Juan Gomez de Liano eyes quick return amid Converge’s slow start

    Juan Gomez de Liano eyes quick return amid Converge’s slow start

    For the Converge FiberXers, the process has come with unexpected complications.


    Instead of simply refining rotations and building chemistry, Converge is being forced to adapt without key pieces, most notably Juan Gomez de Liano, who remains sidelined with a knee injury.

     

    The absence has added another layer of difficulty for a team still trying to establish rhythm in the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    The injury, sustained during their previous outing against the Terrafirma Dyip and has left Gomez de Liano in a holding pattern. After undergoing an MRI, the 26-year-old guard is hoping for positive news—and a quick return.

     

    “I hurt my knee last game, natamaan, knee to knee. That’s pretty much the same. Kinda a bit swollen, so hopefully it heals by itself, and hopefully mabilis,” the lefty guard said.

     

    But beyond the physical setback, it’s the inability to contribute that weighs heavier. As Converge slipped to a 1-2 record, Gomez de Liano could only watch from the sidelines, an unfamiliar position for one of the team’s primary creators.

     

    “I really wanted to be out there with the guys and just kinda help them, pero injuries are out of my control,” he said.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    His absence is particularly felt in matchups that demand backcourt firepower, especially against players like CJ Cansino, a familiar rival dating back to their UAAP days.

     

    Still, inside the Converge camp, there is a sense of patience rather than panic. With the conference still young—and with reinforcements on the way in Calvin Abueva—the team is choosing to view early losses as part of a longer process.

     

    “It’s just a matter of time to build trust with one another and gain chemistry. I’m glad these two losses happened early in the conference,” he said. “We just have to continue to build up and work together … we just have to be patient,” the 26-year-old added.

     

    For Gomez de Liano, the focus now shifts entirely to recovery. A demanding offseason that included duties with Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers may have contributed to the wear and tear, making rest just as critical as rehab.

     

    “I’m gonna just attack rehab, just allow it to heal, I’ll just catch up on some rest. Kasi tuluy-tuloy rin ‘yung mga ganap sa akin like with the training, Gilas, and I feel like overfatigued lang. Hopefully, makabalik na ako,” he added.

     

    Time, however, is a luxury Converge can’t fully afford. A looming matchup against the San Miguel Beermen on March 25 presents another early measuring stick, one the FiberXers hope to face at full strength.

     

    Whether Gomez de Liano suits up or not, his presence on or off the floor remains central to a team still trying to find its footing.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

      Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans! 

  • Juan Gomez de Liaño embraces Gilas return despite tough Window 2 losses 

    Juan Gomez de Liaño embraces Gilas return despite tough Window 2 losses 

    After a four-year wait, Juan Gomez de Liaño finally found himself back in a familiar setting — wearing the Gilas Pilipinas jersey and playing in front of a roaring home crowd.

     

    The long-awaited return, however, came with a difficult reality.

     

    Gilas Pilipinas absorbed consecutive defeats against New Zealand Tall Blacks and Australia Boomers during the second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    While the results were far from ideal, Gomez de Liaño chose to focus on the bigger picture — the opportunity to represent the country again.

     

    “It’s really an honor to represent the Philippines. Two tough games, but I feel like it’s a learning experience. I think we’re just going to keep moving forward and continue to work together,” he told reporters after the 93-66 loss to Australia on Sunday.

     

    “I’m still happy for the guys. We fought hard to the end, but we fell short. So, on to the next,” Gomez de Liaño said.

     

    The 26-year-old guard showed flashes of his potential in Gilas’ narrow 69-66 defeat to New Zealand last Thursday. He finished with 10 points and two assists, knocking down a pair of three-pointers that helped keep the contest within reach.

     

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    His performance did not go unnoticed by national team head coach Tim Cone, who later described the former UP standout as a “special talent” and someone he believes can become a steady piece of the national program moving forward.

     

    Australia, however, presented a much tougher challenge in the rematch. Gomez de Liaño struggled to find his offensive rhythm and ended the game with four rebounds and two assists.

     

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

     

    Despite the two losses, Gilas still managed to secure passage to the next phase of the qualifiers after New Zealand defeated Guam in another group match.

     

    With a 2-2 record heading into the next stage, Gomez de Liaño and the national team will look to regroup before Window 3 in July — where they will once again square off with Australia and New Zealand in what promises to be another demanding stretch for the Filipinos.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

     📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!  

  • Juan Gomez de Liaño says Converge is hungry to shake off underdog tag in PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    Juan Gomez de Liaño says Converge is hungry to shake off underdog tag in PBA Commissioner’s Cup

    Even with high-profile additions, Converge enters the PBA Commissioner’s Cup with a chip on its shoulder.

     

    Juan Gomez de Liaño is candid about the FiberXers’ position as the league heads into the mid-season conference. 

     

    While the team has bolstered its lineup with veteran Calvin Abueva, former road warrior Jonnel Policarpio and Javee Mocon, and potentially Mikey Williams, Gomez de Liaño emphasizes that on-paper talent does not automatically translate to postseason success.

     

    “I’d say we’re coming in still as underdogs because we haven’t proven anything yet in the league. We haven’t gone past the quarterfinals,” Gomez de Liaño said, highlighting the team’s unfinished business despite last season’s quarterfinals berth.

     

    Converge will rely on its newly strengthened frontcourt, Abueva joining Justine Baltazar and Justin Arana — and the addition of import Kylor Kelley to finally break through the first-round barrier. The anticipated arrival of Williams could also provide the perimeter scoring and experience needed in clutch moments.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    Gomez de Liaño also said, “I feel like now with the right pieces and the tools, I think we really have a chance to go past the first round especially, you know, with Calvin coming in. We also got Mikey Williams and the import as well.” 

     

    The PBA Commissioner’s Cup kicks off on March 11, with Converge facing the guest team Macau Black Bears. For Gomez de Liaño and his teammates, the focus is clear and that is to prove the team can go further than ever before.

     

    Chemistry remains the ultimate test for Converge. Integrating newcomers like Abueva, Policarpio, and potentially Mikey Williams into a cohesive unit will be critical if the team wants to move beyond the early playoff rounds. 

     

    Gomez de Liaño acknowledges that skill alone isn’t enough — the team must learn to operate seamlessly under pressure and develop trust across all positions.

     

    Beyond individual talent, Converge’s mindset is under scrutiny. The team aims to shed its underdog label, and that starts with approaching each game as a statement. 

     

    Every matchup in the Commissioner’s Cup is an opportunity to showcase growth, and for Converge, the stakes are as much about establishing identity as they are about winning.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

      Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!