JAVI Gomez de Liano is set to join brother Juan Gomez De Liano in the Korean Basketball League (KBL).
The 25-year-old forward wrote a lengthy post both on Instagram and in his Facebook page saying goodbye to the PBA and Terrafirma - a franchise which he helped reach the playoffs for the first time in eight years during the Philippine Cup.
Gomez de Liano, however, didn’t mention where he’s headed next in his young pro career.
READ Javi GdL bids Terrafirma goodbye amid talk of Korea move
Terrafirma governor Bobby Rosales however, said the former University of the Philippines stalwart is heading overseas.
“Exploring (to play) overseas,” was Rosales’ curt reply when reached by SPIN.ph on the matter.
People close to Gomez de Liano disclosed he’s indeed bound for the KBL, where his younger brother Juan is under contract with the Seoul SK Knights.
“He’s heading to the KBL. There were offers that came to him and minor kinks are just being settled,” said the source.
Some Instagram photos provide clues that Javi GdL may be bound for Anyang KGC Red Boosters as a replacement for Rhenz Abando, who left the KBL team at the end of his contract.
De Liano though and Terrafirma parted ways in very good terms.
“Just before his contract expired, he talked to sir Bobby and asked that he not be given a new contract offer since he wanted to try anew playing overseas,” added the same source.
"And he was allowed by Terrafirma management, that's why he's grateful to sir Bobby and the rest of the coaching staff."
De Liano previously suited up for the Ibaraki Robots in the Japan B.League at the end of his college career with the UP Fighting Maroons.
He played for just a season in Japan before making himself available in the PBA draft.
Javi drafted by Ginebra
Barangay Ginebra picked him No. 8 in the draft, but was traded to Terrafirma along with Brian Enriquez a few days after for the rights to No. 2 pick Jeremiah Gray.
But eventually, he found a home with the Dyip as he rose to become one of the team’s most dependable wingman and sixth man in coach Johnedel Cardel’s rotation.
He averaged 15.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in his final season in the league where the Dyip dragged defending champion San Miguel to a sudden-death for a seat in the semifinals.
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