JAVI Gomez de Liaño's breakout game on Wednesday isn't really an aberration. It was by design.
The 6-foot-4 forward truly made it a point to better himself in the offseason.
"I’ve been really putting in the work cause I know it’s my fourth year so I just want to step up and help the team," he said after posting 22 points, six rebounds, and three assists in University of the Philippines' 61-55 win over Far Eastern University to open its campaign in the UAAP Season 82 men's basketball tournament.
And the main point of his rehabilitation was his weight.
"In January or February, I noticed talaga na I was really overweight and that really affected my game," shared Gomez de Liaño, whose weight rose to as much as 225 pounds.
"I was really slow, I wasn't making my shots so I had to discipline myself, have a good diet, eat healthy, and work out."
And the results speak for itself, with the way he has acted as the catalyst for the Fighting Maroons' opening day success.
Even the 20-year-old noticed the changes he's gotten.
"I feel quicker. I've been working on that talaga. Coach Pat (Tancioco) from Better Basketball has been helping me out," he said. "I also have to give credit also to my teammates cause iron sharpens iron. Sobrnag galing ng teammates ko so that helps me become a better player."
Though Gomez de Liano could already sense his improvements, he shared that he still wants to continue putting in the work as he aims to get a lot more lighter and be a better version of himself.
"I'm still on a diet right now actually, because I feel I can do a lot more pa," he said.
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