Juan Gomez de Liano sure knows his UP history.
With 8:12 still remaining in the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons’ game against the University of the East Red Warriors, Gomez de Liano whipped a pass to Diego Dario, who was behind the three-point line. Dario threw a triple. As it went in, a 12-year triple-double drought in the UAAP Men’s Basketball ended, as it was last season’s Rookie of the Year’s 10th assist of the game.
But the 19-year-old did not stop there, eventually scattering 15 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists, powering UP’s 94-81 win over the UE Red Warriors.
This is the first registered triple-double in the UAAP Men’s Basketball division since Marvin Cruz did it back in August 20, 2006, during UP’s 88-98 loss to Ateneo. Cruz had 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in that game.
With this feat, the last two student-athletes to finish with a triple-double remain as a Fighting Maroon.
“It’s really overwhelming for me na galing UP ulit yung nag-triple-double.”
And Gomez de Liano has always kept in touch with Cruz, as the former Fighting Maroon – who had a pro career that lasted six years – is currently serving as an assistant coach for the UPIS Junior Maroons.
“I talk to him. Sometimes, off-season, I would go to UPIS practices. Assistant coach siya dun. So, minsan, I go with sina Jordy (Juan’s younger brother),” shared De Liano.
“Super galing ni coach Marv.”
But unlike Cruz, the 6-foot combo guard’s goal is to make it to the Final Four.
“That’s my main goal, make it to the Final Four first. Mythical Five, I just really set that aside.”
