After four years of honing his craft overseas, Juan Gomez de Liano is finally set to take his talents to the PBA.
The athletic 6-foot guard out of the University of the Philippines has officially submitted his papers for the 2025 PBA Draft, confirming the development on Tuesday.
“Playing in the PBA has always been a dream of mine. Growing up here in the Philippines, I was raised on PBA games, watching the greats and hoping to follow in their footsteps one day,” Gomez de Liano told Tiebreaker Times.
“I’ve just been waiting for the right time — and I feel that time is now.”
Gomez de Liano made waves during his collegiate stint with the Fighting Maroons, capturing UAAP Season 80 Rookie of the Year honors and earning a spot on the Season 81 Mythical Team.
(C) B.League
He turned pro in 2021 with Japan B.League side Tokyo Z before returning to the Philippines during the off-season to suit up for Marinerong Pilipino in the PBA D-League, where he was named MVP of the 2022 Aspirants’ Cup.
(C) BC Wolves
From there, he took his game to Europe, signing with Lithuanian club BC Wolves, and later to South Korea, where he played the last two seasons with Seoul SK in the Korean Basketball League.
“The four years I spent playing overseas helped me grow tremendously — not just as a player, but more importantly as a person. It really shaped my character and taught me a lot about life,” said the former Gilas guard.
Now, back on home soil, Gomez de Liano is eager to make an impact in Asia’s first pay-for-play league.
“I’m just excited and grateful to begin this new chapter. Being home with my family and friends is something I really missed, and nothing compares to that feeling.”
