Wednesday’s 91-75 victory by Strong Group-Philippines over the NBL1 Rising Stars in the 44th William Jones Cup was more than just another win — it marked a reunion between former University of the Philippines teammates Javi Gomez de Liaño and James Spencer.
Once teammates in UAAP Season 82, the two found themselves on opposite ends of the court. Gomez de Liaño wore the blue and white of Strong Group, while Spencer suited up for the Australian select squad NBL1 Rising Stars.
“It brought back a lot of memories playing with James, although this time we were opponents,” said Gomez de Liaño, who chipped in eight points and eight rebounds in the win.
Their shared history traces back to the Fighting Maroons’ resurgence in collegiate basketball.
Gomez de Liaño was already a junior for UP by Season 82, while Spencer was just beginning his UAAP career as a rookie.
Gomez de Liaño had nothing but pride for his former teammate, who has since blossomed in the pros.
“I’m very proud of how James has developed through the years. He was our rookie during my third year playing for UP,” he added.
Their time together may have been brief, but it was meaningful.
(C) Jones Cup
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the sports calendar, Gomez de Liaño took a leap of faith, turning pro early by joining the Ibaraki Robots in Japan’s B.League.
From there, his career spanned multiple leagues, including stints in the PBA with Terrafirma and in South Korea’s KBL with Anyang Jung Kwan Jang.
Spencer, meanwhile, stayed in Diliman and became an integral part of UP’s historic UAAP Season 84 title run.
One of his most memorable moments came in the Finals when he drained a clutch three-pointer that helped send the Maroons to the brink of the title — and eventually to their first championship in 36 years.
“I remember telling him to be patient — that his time would come,” Gomez de Liaño recalled. “A few years later, it did, when he hit that big shot during UAAP Season 84 that brought UP closer to the championship.”
Now, Spencer is charting his own professional path, entering his second season with B.League Division II squad Earthfriends Tokyo Z.
Against Strong Group, he stood out with 11 points, six rebounds, and five assists in a valiant effort.
“Every year, he keeps getting better, and now he’s in his second season playing in the B.League,” said Gomez de Liaño.
“That just shows how hard he works and how much he’s grown as a player.”
