Back in PBA, Juan Gomez de Liano hopeful for another Gilas call-up

Converge guard Juan Gomez de Liano in action against Titan Ultra in the PBA Governors’ Cup.–PBA IMAGES

RODRIGUEZ, Rizal—Juan Gomez de Liano returned to PBA duties on Sunday after making a strong impression for Gilas Pilipinas during the third window of the Fiba World Cup Qualifiers.

Gomez de Liano exceeded expectations, particularly against New Zealand, which many saw as a game that solidified his place on coach Tim Cone’s rotation.

“Performance-wise, I hope so,” Gomez de Liano said after Converge’s 105-74 win over Titan Ultra at Ynares Center Montalban here.

The double-overtime loss to the Tall Blacks saw Gomez de Liano hitting two big triples that kept Gilas in the fight on the road.

His first three sent the contest to its first extension, while the second almost won it for the Philippines. But New Zealand had other ideas, eventually pulling off an escape act in the second five-minute period.

READ: Gilas Pilipinas’ young core gives hope despite 2OT loss

One good window, however, doesn’t mean that Gomez de Liano should step his foot off the gas pedal.

“Those things are pretty much out of my control,” said the PBA rookie. “If I said it’s out of my control, If I get a call up, I’ll just do my thing and show up and just be there for the guys.

“It’s out of my control, but you know, I can’t say I’ll screw the spot. So, I’ll just stay calm,” added Gomez de Liano.

The next window is set late next month with the start of the second round, and Gilas is in a situation where it must win almost all, if not all games to qualify for next year’s World Cup.

Gilas has a 2-4 record entering the second round, sitting fifth behind Australia, New Zealand, Iran and Jordan in Group E. The Philippines will each face Iran, Jordan and Syria twice across three windows.

“I feel like must win games for us,” Gomez de Liano said. “I don’t think we can afford to lose, you know, those Middle Eastern teams. They know how to play basketball the right way.”

Meanwhile, Gomez de Liano scored just two points, but had nine rebounds and nine assists in 25 minutes as the FiberXers rolled past the Giant Risers to begin their Governors’ Cup campaign on a bright note.