After three years, Juan Gomez de Liano is back in the Gilas Pilipinas pool.
According to reports, Tim Cone has added the crafty 6-foot-1 guard to the roster for the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.
Gomez de Liano confirmed the development to Tiebreaker Times, sharing that Cone personally called him last Saturday to invite him to start training with Gilas on Tuesday.
The call came a day after dropping 32 points on 13-of-16 shooting, along with six rebounds and six assists, during Converge’s 106-96 win over Ginebra in the 2025–26 PBA Philippine Cup.
“I’ve been working really hard toward this goal and waiting for another chance. Representing the country feels different — it hits differently,” he told Tiebreaker Times.
The last time Gomez de Liano suited up for the Philippines was during the second window of the FIBA World Cup 2023 Qualifiers, where he logged just 14 minutes in games against India and New Zealand.
At the time, he was at his lowest point after being released by Earthfriends Tokyo Z.
Since then, he has played for Lithuanian club Wolves BC and KBL team Seoul SK.
(C) Paul Ryan Tan/FIBA Asia
“Since my last stint with Gilas, I’ve gone through many ups and downs that truly humbled me. I believe all those experiences helped me grow tremendously, and now I’m coming in more mature and ready to contribute in any way the team needs,” said the second overall pick in the 2025 PBA Draft.
“I understand the game much better now, and I hope I can help the team however I can.”
Being part of the pool is one thing; cracking the final 12 is another. The addition of Gomez de Liano increases the roster to 17 players.
Also competing for backcourt spots are Dwight Ramos, Scottie Thompson, Cjay Perez, Chris Newsome, and RJ Abarrientos.
Gomez de Liano knows the competition will be tough, but he plans to make the most of it.
“I know it’s going to be tough, and that’s why my mindset is simple: control what I can control. I’ll show up every day, compete, and make sure I’m in the best shape — physically and mentally,” he shared.
“I’m not worried, though. Just being recognized and noticed enough to get called up again is already a huge blessing for me. I want to help the country make it to the Olympics one day.”
