JUAN Gomez de Liano will be coming into this busy Gilas Pilipinas strech in the best shape possible as a larger role looms following his respectable showing during the previous window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Gomez de Liano had his best game in a Gilas Pilipinas uniform during their July 3 game against New Zealand where he scored 23 points, although his clutch shots failed to make the Tall Blacks pay as the Philippine side lost in overtime, 106-102.
An ankle injury sidelined Gomez de Liano for the majority of their July 6 match against Australia where he was limited to only seven points in 12 minutes.
But Gomez de Liano said he is healthier than ever and the Converge guard looks forward to contributing to the national cause in two important games against Jordan on August 28 and Iran on August 30.
He is also coming off a big game in his last outing for Converge before the Gilas break, finishing with 19 points, six rebounds, and eight assists in the FiberXers’ 112-110 win over league-leading NLEX last Friday.
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“I’m glad I’m in my best shape right now,” Gomez de Liano said. “I’m thankful that I’m really conditioned now. Maybe a bit tired but I’ll do anything for the national team.
“Those are two big, crucial games for us in order to move on to the next round. I’m going to shift my focus towards Gilas,” he added.
His big showing in the last window doesn’t mean that Gomez de Liano slacked off in the preparation for this window.
“I don’t think so honestly,” Gomez de Liano said when asked if there would be an increased role looming for the August window. “I’m gonna come in with the same approach. I’ve always been an underdog my entire life when I’m given the opportunity to step on the floor. No matter how many minutes, I’m just gonna try my best to play my game and do what I can do to just help the team.
Aside from the FIBA World Cup qualifiers, Gomez de Liano is also in line to be part of the Gilas Pilipinas team bound for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya and he is also excited with the chance of playing in Japan.
“There’s no better feeling than playing for the national team. It’s always been a dream of mine. I’m definitely excited for the two games, and especially the Asian Games in Nagoya. So yeah, I’m gonna shift my focus towards the national team. And hopefully, tuluy-tuloy sana,” he added.
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