University of the Philippines will be without one of its seniors come the UAAP Season 83 Men’s Basketball Tournament later this year.
Javi Gomez de Liaño has told the brass of the NoWhereToGoButUP foundation that he will not be part of the team this year.
The 21-year-old met with foundation founder Renan Dalisay on Tuesday afternoon.
“I met with Sir Renan. They are okay naman with it. Ever since naman they said that they are going to be happy with whatever decision I make. They said they will always support us and they got our back,” Gomez de Liaño told Tiebreaker Times.
“I’m happy that they accepted my decision.”
Gomez de Liaño stressed that he is not bidding the Fighting Maroons goodbye.
“I’m skipping Season 83, not bidding UP farewell. Those are two different things,” he said.
“I’m still open to returning if things work well.”
In his fourth year, Gomez de Liaño was the third leading scorer of UP in Season 82. He averaged 10.5 points per game on 47.11-percent shooting from the field, 35-percent from downtown.
For now, the 6-foot-4 swingman remains focused on Gilas Pilipinas. He is also in talks to join MPBL club team Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguard.
Besides this, Gomez de Liaño will be focusing on his personal development as a player, as he will continue his training under Patrick Tancioco of Better Basketball.
“I’m focused on Gilas and the MPBL. Also, I will work on my strength, conditioning, and skills with Coach Pat.”
