Converge teammates Juan Gomez de Liaño, Justine Baltazar and Justin Arana take pride in the opportunity to don the Gilas Pilipinas jersey.

Both Gomez de Liaño and Baltazar made Gilas’ final lineup against Jordan in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers second round today at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Arana, on the other hand, got a reserve spot in the fourth window and could see action in Sunday’s match against Iran.

“It definitely means a lot to us, not just for our families, you know, for the team. And I’d say it’s something that the organization of Converge should be proud of,” Gomez de Liaño said.

“Justin, Balti, and I, we wouldn’t take this for granted,” he added.

Gomez de Liaño is playing in his third straight FIBA window with Gilas while Baltazar is in his second appearance.

“Not everyone gets the opportunity to kind of just represent the country. We’re just taking it day-by-day, trying to soak in as much as advice and information as we can get from all the great teammates that we have,” said Gomez De Liano, who is averaging 10 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists in the World Cup qualifier.

Gomez de Liaño played his best game so far for Gilas back in the third window where he scored a team-high 23 points in a double overtime loss to New Zealand, 102-106, last 3 July in Auckland.

“It’s just truly an honor to be able to represent not just Converge, but now we have the chance to represent the country all together,” he added.

Baltazar is also excited to don the tricolors once again and for another shot at contributing to the cause.

After sitting out the third window game against New Zealand, Baltazar missed both of his two field goal attempts in a 49-92 loss to Australia in just five minutes of action.

“Whatever role coach Tim Cone gives me, I’ll give my 100 percent,” he said.