ANTIPOLO — Juan Gomez de Liano has no ill feelings after being cut from the Gilas Pilipinas that competed in the recent FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers window, contrary to what skeptics say online.
“I see a lot of comments on social media, I don’t know why they’re hating. It’s nothing,” he said with a smile, Friday moments after leading Converge past Magnolia in PBA Philippine Cup action at the Ynares Center here.
The 26-year-old point guard was among the three players cut to create the final 12-man squad that went on to face — and eventually sweep — Guam. That decision by the coaches drew mixed reactions from fans and pundits alike.
While some were left disappointed, Gomez de Liano is no stranger to not being included in a team, having been in that situation thrice.
“Being cut it’s not a big deal to me. I got cut three times in the national team. It started from the Under-18,” shared Gilas 3×3 Youth stalwart, who only made his Gilas debut under head coach Tab Baldwin.
That’s why he’s not taking his recent non-inclusion personally, adding that being back in the pool is already a blessing.
“I’m part of the pool, so it’s really a blessing. I can’t ask for more. Just to be out there, training with the guys, trying to get familiar with the system,” he said. “Hopefully one day, I’ll make the cut. If I don’t, then I’ll cheer for them.”
He did admit, however, that it adds more fuel to the fire inside him, and Friday’s game should serve as solid proof — or a warning of sorts, too.
Gomez de Liano finished with 27 points, 14 of which he made to spearhead the FiberXers’ 72-point second-half eruption toward the 114-97 victory. He shot 10-of-15 from the field and also had seven rebounds and five assists.
That performance came three weeks after starring in their 106-96 stunner of Ginebra, in which he fired 32 points alongside six rebounds and six assists.
“I told myself coming into the next games, I’m trying to completely dominate the league,” he said. “But just to be part of the pool, it’s a blessing — just to be recognized by the whole squad, especially Coach Tim [Cone].”
He’s not one to make it all about himself, though. Instead, he feels happier that Converge clinched a quarterfinal berth after improving to 6-2, which has also enabled the crew to join NLEX and Rain or Shine at no. 1.
“We just wanted to keep the winning [momentum] alive and keep going. I’m glad that we got the win and it’s a good boost to our morale, especially entering the playoffs,” said Gomez de Liano.
#WATCH: HE DESERVES MORE MINUTES
Converge’s Juan Gomez de LIano bats for his brother Javi to have more minutes with Magnolia 🏀#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/q0Vvx8niAs
📹 @justinebacnis /Tiebreaker Times#PBA50 #FIBAWC pic.twitter.com/uVYZ5j2W3a
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) December 5, 2025
