Juan Gomez de Liaño embraces Gilas return despite tough Window 2 losses 

After a four-year wait, Juan Gomez de Liaño finally found himself back in a familiar setting — wearing the Gilas Pilipinas jersey and playing in front of a roaring home crowd.

The long-awaited return, however, came with a difficult reality.

Gilas Pilipinas absorbed consecutive defeats against New Zealand Tall Blacks and Australia Boomers during the second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

While the results were far from ideal, Gomez de Liaño chose to focus on the bigger picture — the opportunity to represent the country again.

“It’s really an honor to represent the Philippines. Two tough games, but I feel like it’s a learning experience. I think we’re just going to keep moving forward and continue to work together,” he told reporters after the 93-66 loss to Australia on Sunday.

“I’m still happy for the guys. We fought hard to the end, but we fell short. So, on to the next,” Gomez de Liaño said.

The 26-year-old guard showed flashes of his potential in Gilas’ narrow 69-66 defeat to New Zealand last Thursday. He finished with 10 points and two assists, knocking down a pair of three-pointers that helped keep the contest within reach.

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Juan Gomez de Liaño made a strong first impression for Gilas Pilipinas, facing tough competition from New Zealand in the second window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.#GilasPilipinas #FIBAWC #FIBAACQ pic.twitter.com/n5rdetze5f

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) February 26, 2026

His performance did not go unnoticed by national team head coach Tim Cone, who later described the former UP standout as a “special talent” and someone he believes can become a steady piece of the national program moving forward.

Australia, however, presented a much tougher challenge in the rematch. Gomez de Liaño struggled to find his offensive rhythm and ended the game with four rebounds and two assists.

“I think Australia just did a good job with their scouting report. They prepared a lot too so I give credit to them,” Gomez de Liaño said.

Despite the two losses, Gilas still managed to secure passage to the next phase of the qualifiers after New Zealand defeated Guam in another group match.

With a 2-2 record heading into the next stage, Gomez de Liaño and the national team will look to regroup before Window 3 in July — where they will once again square off with Australia and New Zealand in what promises to be another demanding stretch for the Filipinos.

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