JUAN Gomez de Liaño looks forward to teaming up with fellow young guard RJ Abarrientos in Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign in the third window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifier.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SBP
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Returning Gilas Pilipinas guard Juan Gomez de Liaño looks forward to forming a formidable backcourt partnership with RJ Abarrientos for the coming third window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifier.
Gomez de Liaño got his second straight tour of duty after taking over the spot vacated by injured Scottie Thompson for a pair of Gilas road games against New Zealand and Australia next week.
This will be the first time that the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) rivals will team up in the first round of the World Cup qualifier.
The Converge combo guard only joined the team in the second window, five months ago, while Abarrientos only played in the opening window last year when Gilas strung back-to-back wins.
Now the two heady and scoring guards will be partners in helping the Philippines end a two-game slide in a rematch against New Zealand on 3 July in Auckland before flying to Perth to meet host Australia on 6 July.
“Super excited,” Gomez de Liaño said of his tandem with the Barangay Ginebra sophomore, who just weeks ago helped the Kings grab the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup title.
“The impact RJ brings, you know, he won Best Player of the Conference in the previous conference (Commissioner’s Cup). The way he leads the team as the point guard. He’s very smart and he plays well as well,” he added.
“I think we’ll play really well together. I’ll go off the ball, he’ll bring the ball. So, I’m super excited.”
The youngbloods will reinforce the backcourt alongside veteran Chris Newsome.
Abarrientos is coming off a great run in the PBA mid-season tournament, winning the highest individual award in his first title conquest with the Kings.
He eyes a better showing for Gilas this time after averaging just 2.5 points and 1.5 rebounds playing under eight minutes in his last two stints for the tricolor.
“You can never say no when you’re called by Gilas Pilipinas to represent the nation. There’s no reason to rest but to continue and fight for the country in this window,” said Abarrientos, who had little time to celebrate and rest following a hard-fought seven-game finals series against TNT.
“Very excited. Again, no rest but there’s no reason to say no (to play for Gilas). Not a lot of players are given the opportunity to wear the (national team) jersey and represent the country. Very blessed and thankful that I’m chosen once again to play for Gilas.”
The backcourt duo will get a chance to put their chemistry to the test in a tune-up match against the Manawatu Jets Sunday at the Fly Palmy Arena in New Zealand.
Gilas will then travel to Pukekohe to meet the Franklin Bulls in their home turf at the Franklin Pool and Leisure Centre on Tuesday
