ANTIPOLO – Juan Gomez de Liaño doesn’t consider his cut to Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers Window 1 a big deal, but admitted that it is also a motivation for him to continue to work even harder.
The added fire was on display on Friday when the PBA Philippine Cup resumed on Friday with a Converge game against Magnolia. Gomez de Liaño finished with 27 points in another FiberXers win against one of the traditional contenders of the league.
“I’m used to it. I’ve been cut three times for the national team. So of course, that’s added motivation for me,” said Gomez de Liaño. “So I told myself, going to the next games, I'm trying to continue to dominate the league.”
READ Juan GDL leads fourth quarter charge as Converge beats Magnolia
“Just to be part of the pool, it’s a blessing just to be recognized by the whole squad and especially Coach Tim (Cone),” said Juan GDL after Converge defeated Magnolia, 114-97, on Friday at the resumption of the PBA Philippine Cup elims.
The first time he was cut, Gomez de Liano said, was during the FIBA Asia U-18 Championship in 2018. He also didn’t made it during the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 qualifiers held in a bubble in Pampanga during the pandemic.
But even with his non-inclusion to the final roster for the third time of his career, Gomez de Liaño said it was a great experience for him to be part of the Gilas pool, and aspires to be part of the last 12 in future windows.
“Just being part of the pool is already a blessing to me, So I don’t really look at it like, ‘I’m down, I’m sad.’ I don’t really look at it that way, so it’s always added motivation,” said Gomez de Liano.
Gomez de Liaño said he supports those who made it to the Final 12. He was on the back of the Gilas Pilipinas bench during the team’s home game against Guam at the Blue Eagle Gym.
“The experience has been great. I love the guys. As a group, they work hard together and it’s a great environment to be in. Everyone is just locked in and doing it just for the whole nation. So it’s fun group of guys to be with.”
Gilas coach Tim Cone said that Gomez de Liano may have been cut in Window 1 but he sees the Converge rookie as somebody who would eventually be a fixture in the Final 12.
“Hopefully,” said Gomez de Liano. “It’s really an honor. It’s a different feeling. Hopefully, one day, I make the cut. If I don't, then I’m here to cheer for them. I’m here to cheer for the guys, trying to show positive attitude and energy.”
Gomez de Liaño reiterated that the cut should not be blown out of proportion especially on social media.
“No bad blood at all. I see a lot of comments on social media. I don’t know why they’re hating, but it’s way beyond that.”
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