CALVIN Abueva promised to bring energy to Converge, and for rookie Juan Gomez de Liaño, the veteran is living up to it.
Gomez de Liaño is thrilled to team up with Abueva after the FiberXers acquired the 38-year-old from Titan Ultra. The 'Beast' will make his Converge debut right on opening day of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup against the Macau Black Bears on March 11.
“He’s been solid. He’s a fun guy to be around with. I can feel his presence,” said Gomez de Liaño. “He brings a lot of energy and effort. He’s a good match for us.”
COLUMN: Does TNT import Bol Bol come cheap at $120,000 a month?
Abueva could be what Converge needs to get over the hump and claim a first-ever semifinal appearance. The FiberXers were on the verge of achieving that during the Philippine Cup but were eliminated by Barangay Ginebra.
“We’re a young team. He goes hard every possession, every drill. So far, he has been a good example to my teammates. That’s what we need. Leaders that can help. A lot of people are saying na siya ang missing piece. I believe so also.
"He is a big part of the team. Just the amount of experience he brings to the team. He guides the young players. It’s so nice to have him around.”
Converge recently got another upgrade when Mikey Williams finally joined the squad during their team building and is in line to play in the coming Commissioner’s Cup. Williams is set to join practices in the coming days.
Gomez de Liaño is excited to see how the FiberXers will blend with the new additions.
“He (Abueva) always wants to win,” said Gomez de Liaño in an interview prior to Williams’ arrival to Converge. “No matter who the opponent is. That mindset that he brings. He brings it to the team.”
“We’re all motivated. You see one guy that really wants to win, wants to win a championship. Eventually, us teammates, we're going to work together, be on the same page. Hopefully, this conference, we get past the first round. I believe good things are about to come for us,” said Gomez de Liano.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
