“Perfect time to play in PBA”: Juan Gomez de Liano returns home after multiple overseas stints

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.

But for Juan, the upcoming draft carries more than just personal ambition — it’s also about family. With his older brother Javi recently signing a three-year deal with the Magnolia Hotshots, the possibility of teaming up with his sibling excites him the most.

“I’m hoping we play together. That would make things a lot easier. If we play against each other, it’s going to be very competitive. We basically grew up together, we played together in middle school, high school, national team. Now we have a chance to play in the PBA, it’s something we won’t take for granted. That will be fun, I’m looking forward to it,” Gomez de Liano said in a media interaction.

The shooting guard admitted that Javi has been giving him advice ahead of the PBA Draft.

‘I FEEL LIKE IT’S THE PERFECT TIME’

After playing overseas for four years, Juan Gomez De Liaño is now looking forward to play in the PBA as he joins the Rookie Draft Combine of Season 50. | via Gillian Trinidad/One Sports#PBA50 #PBAAngatAngLaban pic.twitter.com/xxCoAiterk

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) September 4, 2025

“Yeah, just a few tips here and there. Kinda what to expect. Like you know the PBA, the physicality is tough, the players here are very skillful,” he added.

Juan and Javi last played together for the UP Fighting Maroons, helping usher in the school’s basketball renaissance. However, they also faced off in the Korean Basketball League (KBL), when Juan suited up for the Seoul SK Knights while Javi played for the Anyang KGC Red Boosters.

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 the Seoul SK Knights in Korea, where he played until May 2025, when he was released following the team’s acquisition of fellow Filipino Arvin Tolentino.

He believes now is the perfect time to finally play in the PBA after gaining experience overseas.

“As a player, I mean definitely it’s always been a dream. Especially you have a chance to be chosen as number one. It’s definitely something I have been working towards. Hopefully I land in the right situation. 100% because I grew up here in the Philippines. I have watched a lot of live games. I knew one day I was going to be here. I just felt this year was the perfect time,” Gomez de Liano concluded.

The 2025 PBA Rookie Draft takes place on Sunday, September 7, at the Mall of Asia Music Hall. Before that, the PBA Draft Combine is scheduled for September 4 and 5 at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, offering coaches and scouts one last chance to evaluate the nation’s top prospects.

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