Juan Gomez de Liano declares for 2025 PBA Draft, eyes reunion with brother Javi

From the streets of Diliman to the hardwood floors of Seoul, Juan Gomez de Liano has taken his game across the globe. Now, the former Gilas Youth and UP Fighting Maroons star is finally coming home to chase a lifelong dream: playing in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

The 25-year-old guard has officially declared for the Season 50 Rookie Draft on September 7 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall in Pasay City, becoming the latest high-profile prospect to join what is shaping up to be one of the deepest draft classes in recent memory.

His agent, Marvin Espiritu, confirmed the application, as Juan returned to the Philippines after his stint with the Seoul SK Knights in the Korean Basketball League (KBL). He also recently suited up in the Pilipinas United 3×3 League (PUL), showing flashes of the versatility that once made him a UAAP household name.

But for Juan, the upcoming draft carries more than just personal ambition. It’s also about family. With his older brother Javi’s rights now with the Magnolia Hotshots, the possibility of facing—or even teaming up with—his sibling excites him most.

“Or we could be teammates. Who knows?” Juan said with a smile. “Honestly, it’s always been a dream of mine. Growing up here in the Philippines, I watched the PBA since I was a kid. So yeah, it’s going to be fun.”

ANOTHER JUAN 🏀

Juan Gomez de Liaño is ready to take the next step in his career, formally declaring for the PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft after four years abroad.#PBA50 #PBAAngatAngLaban pic.twitter.com/yVDCGiamF8

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) August 26, 2025

Juan and Javi last played together for the UP Fighting Maroons, helping usher in the school’s basketball renaissance. Now, the thought of a reunion—this time under the PBA lights—fuels Juan’s motivation.

“Javi and I grew up playing together. We’ve been teammates since middle school, so it’s going to be fun. We’ve never faced each other in the PBA, so I’m definitely looking forward to it,” he added.

Juan’s journey to this point has been anything but ordinary. After his UAAP stint, he opted not to enter the draft immediately, instead broadening his horizons overseas. He competed in the Dubai International Basketball Tournament, the PBA D-League, and the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) with the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards in 2021. 

That same year, he signed with Earthfriends Tokyo Z in Japan’s B2 League before moving to BC Wolves in Lithuania. His most recent stop was with Seoul SK Knights in Korea, where he played before being released in May 2025 following the team’s acquisition of fellow Filipino Arvin Tolentino.

Now, after years of chasing growth in international leagues, Juan is finally ready to test himself on Philippine basketball’s biggest stage. For him, the PBA represents not just another opportunity, but the realization of a dream rooted in childhood and shared with family.

As draft day nears, Juan stands at the cusp of a new chapter—one that could see him battling, or even sharing the floor once again, with his brother Javi.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.