WITH extensive international experience in the past few years, Juan Gomez de Liaño believes he is ready for the PBA.
The former University of the Philippines star had stints in Japan, Lithuania, and Korea before applying in the Season 50 Draft, and the 25-year-old said all his stops prepared him for his comeback in the country, but now in the professional level.
“I felt like it’s the perfect time,” said Gomez de Liaño. “I’ve been overseas for four years. I gained a lot of experience there. Developed a lot, not just a player, but as a person as well."
"Parang nagpa-mature muna ako ng sarili. Now, it’s the perfect chance to be here, took it and grabbed it."
GDL said playing overseas was actually still an option for him until he decided to enter his name in the PBA Draft.
“I had a couple of options as well, but I felt like this is the best opportunity for me,” he said.
Juan GDL started his overseas basketball experience with the Earthfriends Tokyo Z in the Japan B.League in 2021 before shifting to the BC Wolves in Lithuania from 2022 to 2023. He then played for two years with the Seoul SK Knights in the Korean Basketball League from 2023 to 2025.
That professional basketball experience abroad is what Gomez de Liaño plans to bring to the squad that picks him in the draft.
“Pretty much the experience, I’m still young, 25. Kinda been around the world. Whoever team gets me, (I want to bring) a lot of energy, a lot of leadership as well, moves like a floor general that can create for his teammates, make the right plays, just bringing a lot of energy," he said.
GDL vs. GDL?
Meanwhile, Juan’s entry in the PBA comes after older brother Javi made his return to the league, as the latter is slated to play for Magnolia after an offseason trade by his former ball club Terrafirma.
READ: Magnolia trades Ahanmisi, draft pick to Terrafirma for Javi Gomez de Liano
Juan admitted he wants to be teammates with Javi, but will also enjoy playing against him as well.
“Definitely, I would want to be teammates with him. But given a chance, it would be competitive. I know how Javi plays and now, we have a chance to play in the PBA, it’s going to be fun,” said Juan, younger brother to kuyas Joe and Javi.
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