Juan Gomez de Liaño has been touted as the leader of Marinerong Pilipino in the ongoing 2022 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup.
With his experience overseas most notably in Japan when he played for Division II squad Earthfriends Tokyo Z, it’s a no-brainer to give the baton to the floor general.
But when looking at the initial roster that the Skippers submitted before the tournament started, he’s also the youngest of the bunch at only 22 years old, alongside Adrian Nocum.
Older than him are Mapua’s Brian Lacap (24), Paolo Hernandez (23), Arvin Gamboa (24), Warren Bonifacio (24), Toby Agustin (23), Jeric Pido (24), and Enrico Garcia (23).
“I think it really comes with experience,” said Gomez de Liaño on the leadership role.
“I think I’ve played in a lot of games and I’ve been around with real pros, veterans who really taught me a lot about the game.”
Aside from his Japan stint, the 6-foot-1 guard out of University of the Philippines also played in ABL, ABL 3×3, and Thai Super League 3×3.
Despite his young age, Gomez de Liaño has no problem being the one to guide the Mapua core that is included in the Marinero lineup.
“Lahat ng natutunan ko doon, really just dinadala ko rito, helping the young ones sa mga next tournaments nila,” he said.
“Really just being a big brother to them and just guiding them all the way.”
His tips and advice were needed after the Skippers, a title favorite, succumbed to Wangs-Letran in their previous game, 70-64.
And it worked just fine as Marinero got back in the win column after a close 76-71 win over Adalem Construction-St. Clare on Tuesday.
Up next for Gomez de Liaño’s squad would be the winless AMA Online on July 26.
“We take every game seriously. I’m just gonna tell them to continue to be aggressive all throughout from the start till the final buzzer sounds,” said the 22-year-old veteran.
“We’re not gonna underestimate any opponent and we’re gonna take them seriously.”
