MONTALBAN — Juan Gomez de Liano chased history on Saturday night and got rewarded so sweetly, as it led to a PBA debut that’s one for the books.
The second overall pick of the recent draft finished with 15 points,10 rebounds, and 11 assists to help lead Converge to a dominant victory over Titan Ultra for a rousing start to its Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center II here.
But he didn’t take all the limelight to himself, instead deflecting the credit to the rest of the FiberXers–especially to the coaching staff led by Pampanga vice governor Delta Pineda–for enabling him to accomplish the rare feat.
“Towards late in the game, I was informed that I needed, like, a couple more rebounds and assists. So I asked the coaches if I could just play the game, and I’m glad they allowed me,” he said on the heels of their 129-92 victory.
Pineda, for his part, admitted having reservations about granting his prized guard his simple request but went on to say yes, much to everybody’s delight.
(C) PBA Images
“Actually nagwo-worry na nga ako doon sa oras niya pero hiningi niya sa akin ‘to, kaya binigay ko na,” he said as Gomez de Liano logged 33 minutes and nine seconds–even if the game was all but settled.
“Masaya kaming lahat.”
As a result, the former overseas import became the first to record a triple-double in his PBA debut, according to league stats chief Fidel Mangonon III.
He is, furthermore, the first rookie to tally such a statistical milestone since no less than Ginebra San Miguel star Scottie Thompson in 2016.
Gomez de Liano has also become the first local to notch as much in Converge franchise history and just the second overall after Jamaal Franklin in 2023.
Pulling off triple-double performances is actually nothing new to the lefty, having done so in various stages he’s competed in previously–from the UAAP with UP, to the PBA D-League with Marinerong Pilipino in which he won an MVP once.
It was a night to remember for him, indeed, but the 25-year-old was just glad to have had a hand in giving Pineda a triumphant PBA head coaching debut.
“Not a bad way to start my PBA career, especially Gov’s first win as a head coach,” he said.
“As players, we’re kinda just enjoying the game. Everyone’s happy, everyone gets their chance to just play the game the right way.”
