The beauty of college basketball is that there will inevitably be new stars who will take over from their predecessors.
Such is the case with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons. If last season Paul Desiderio hogged the headlines with his buzzer beaters and how now fabled ‘Atin to! Papasok to!’ mantra, this year it’s all about Juan Gomez de Liano.
The sophomore guard produced a triple-double with 15 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists against the University of the East Red Warriors. It was the first triple-double recorded in the UAAP since former Fighting Maroon Marvin Cruz’s 22 markers, 11 boards, and 10 dimes in 2006.
“Easy,” commented Desiderio in jest. “Sobrang galing no? Galing! Ilang years yun? Twelve years. Sobrang galing ng bata.
“The future of UP.”
While Gomez de Liano stole the show at the Red Warriors’ expense, the fifth-year student-athlete also contributed 16 points together with eight rebounds and three assists for the Fighting Maroons’ cause. Despite being upstaged, the Liloan, Cebu native was simply happy for his younger comrade.
“Siyempre kuya niya ako, roommate kami kahapon. Sabi ko magpahinga ka diyan ah,” joked the 6-foot guard, who is averaging 11.63 points, 5.88 rebounds, and 2.75 assists this season.
In fact, Desiderio has taken the initiative of teaching Gomez de Liano how to navigate through the jungle that is the UAAP. “Binibigyan ko siya ng advice. As a kuya binibigay ko na. Siyempre paalis na ako sa UP so sila na yung future.
“Ang akin lang, tulungan ko na lang sila (sa) paano kami mananalo.”
With five campaigns already under his belt, the University of Visayas high school alumnus knows exactly what the UAAP Season 80 Men’s Basketball Tournament Rookie of the Year needs to work on to improve his game – mainly intensity and humility.
“Lagi ko sinasabi sa kanya na huwag mag-relax kasi may tendency siyang nagre-relax. (He’s) athletic, may shooting, lahat. Lahat meron siya pero ang problema niya lang nagre-relax on defense and offense also.
“Pero lagi ko sinasabi sa kanya kumbaga yung confidence nandun, pero babaan lang na kaunti kasi siyempre baka madala,” explained the Season 79 Mythical Five member.
Although it was a vital win, with eye-catching performances from Desiderio and Gomez de Liano, the veteran understands that they can’t get carried away with the occasion.
“After nito, bukas focus na kami (sa next game).”
