Juan Gomez de Liaño is set to bring with him five years of international experience when he suits up for the Converge Fiber Xers in the upcoming Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) 50th season this October.
“Can’t wait to work with them. Hopefully, I’ll fit into the team,” said the 24-year-old guard after being drafted by Converge as the No. 2 overall pick.
The Fiber Xers, now under the guidance of Pampanga vice governor Dennis Pineda, made de Liaño their top acquisition in the draft. Pineda has taken over the head coaching reins from Franco Atienza.
Standing at 6-foot, de Liaño has built an impressive résumé over the last five years, playing professionally in Japan, Lithuania, and South Korea after his collegiate stint with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.
“I met with the team and the coaches a week ago. I like the plan they have for me,” added de Liaño, who previously suited up for Earthfriends Tokyo Z in Japan, BC Wolves in Lithuania, and Seoul SK Knights in South Korea. He also impressed coaches during the PBA Draft Combine and the scrimmages organized by Converge ahead of draft day.
With de Liaño’s arrival, the Fiber Xers are expected to significantly strengthen their backcourt as they continue to build around a young and promising core.
The team already boasts the likes of Justin Arana, Justine Baltazar, Alec Stockton, and Schonny Winston, giving Converge a foundation that could push for a breakthrough season.
“We really have a young core, and a lot of great players,” de Liaño said.
Meanwhile, Juan’s brother, Javi Gomez de Liaño, is also returning to the PBA after signing with the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots. The siblings were once teammates during their high school days at the UP Integrated School, where they competed together in the UAAP juniors division.
