By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
We have another young star flying to Japan.
After Thirdy Ravena, UP Fighting Maroons and Gilas Pilipinas cadet Juan Gomez de Liaño earned his contract in Japan and will be reinforcing B. League Division 2 team Earth Friends Tokyo Z.
The 21-year-old guard confirmed the development and was signed via the Asian Player Quota just like Ravena.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to play overseas and I’m glad to have this chance. This is a good way to start my pro career, especially being in Tokyo,” said de Liaño.
However, de Liaño will have a tough task upon arrival with his team as the Earth Friends just finished a disappointing season with a 13-46 record.
During the off-season, the team’s head coach, the widely-renowned Hugo Lopez, contacted the hefty leftie and asked if he could come and help the team.
“A big factor in this decision was the relationship I have developed with Coach Hugo. He had a lot of trust in me and he said that I’m going to fit well in his system,” added de Liaño.
The former UP superstar vows to give his all and make all of the Filipinos proud as he is off to play for his first-ever professional hoop stint.
Before accepting his contract with the B. League, de Liaño exited the Gilas squad with a splendid outing during the Manama bubble and posted 12.0 points, 3.0 assists, and 3.0 rebounds in three games.
