IT has been an exciting past few days for UAAP Season 79 juniors basketball MVP Juan Gomez de Liano.
On Thursday, Gomez de Liano suited up with some of the best high school players in the country in the NBTC All-Star Game where his North team won over the South squad, 94-89, in a game that will be shown nationwide on TV.
But unknown to many, Gomez de Liano made his debut with the University of the Philippines seniors squad the day before after playing for the Fighting Maroons in the Republica Cup, a pocket tournament in Malolos, Bulacan.
The 17-year-old scored a team-high 18 points in UP’s 98-74 win over AMA while teaming up with another new recruit in Bright Akhuetie, who had 15 markers in the match.
Gomez de Liano said he felt comfortable being part of the UP Maroons’ squad as he begins his transition from high school to college.
“It felt like a hand in a glove,” said Gomez de Liano. “I feel comfortable playing with them and competing with different guys who are bigger and more physical compared to high school players,” said Gomez de Liano.
After playing his first game of the offseason for UP, Gomez de Liano said he still has a lot of things to improve on as he tries to be ready for the UAAP.
“I’m not satisfied with my game. I have to work on my consistency and decision making on the court. Just trying to improve on every aspect of my game,” said Gomez de Liano.
Now that his college career is about to begin, the UP Integrated School star looks forward as his high school stint winds down to one more game with the SLAM Rising Stars later this month.
“I’m making the most out of my high school games,” said Gomez de Liano.