It’s time for others to step up – Perasol
UNIVERSITY of the Philippines (UP) head coach Bo Perasol sees star guard Juan Gomez De Liaño’s decision to skip the next season of University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) basketball tournament as a “great opportunity” for the other Fighting Maroons.
Gomez De Liaño bared his decision to sit out in Season 83 UAAP and focus on his Gilas Pilipinas duties two days after his brother Javi also chose the same option on top of playing in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
“It will be a big loss in terms of our current firepower. However, it’s also a great opportunity for the others to step up into the plate and own the challenge,” said Perasol.
“That’s actually where both of them (Gomez De Liaño brothers) started and honed their talents. There was a need for the team some years ag for players to accept the need of leading the team. They were both up to the challenge,” added the veteran mentor.
“Now, this is the chance the others have been waiting for.”
Gomez De Liaño, along with brother Javi, was selected to be part of the Gilas Pilpinas national pool for the first window of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers slated to begin this month.
“I’ve talked to my family, people I’m close with. I’ve decided to sit out this coming season as well. More time to focus on Gilas. As what I’ve said, it’s a no-brainer. Not everyone has the opportunity to represent and play for Gilas,” he said.
“I’m really going to take advantage of this. I feel like it’s a great start to help me and my basketball career and I’m just really grateful for the opportunity,” he added.
The younger Gomez De Liaño, though, said that he is “not closing my doors” for a possible return to the State U.
“I’m not closing my doors for Season 84, but as of right now, I’m really focused on Gilas. I want to represent the country again. It’s truly an honor to represent the country,” said Gomez De Liaño, who still has two playing years left in the UAAP.
Gomez de Liaño snared the Rookie of the Year award in 2017 and a Mythical Team selection in 2018 when he played a pivotal role in UP’s historic finals appearance.
With the absence of the Gomez De Liano brothers, the trio of one-time MVP Bright Akhuetie, Kobe Paras and Ricci Rivero will carry the fight for the Maroons.
nJavi Gomez De Liaño