Javi Gomez de Liano inks three-year deal with Magnolia, marks PBA return

Javi Gomez de Liano is officially back in the PBA, and he’s doing it in a big way.

The 27-year-old guard-forward signed a three-year contract with the Magnolia Hotshots on Saturday, signaling a fresh chapter in his professional basketball career after a year-long absence from the league.

 His signing was made official in the presence of Magnolia team manager and PBA legend Alvin Patrimonio, who warmly welcomed the former UP Fighting Maroon into the storied franchise.

Represented by player agent Marvin Espiritu of the Espiritu Manotoc Basketball Management, Gomez de Liano’s return comes at a pivotal time for both player and team. 

Known for his versatile skill set and calm demeanor on the floor, Javi is eager to reestablish himself in Asia’s oldest professional basketball league and contribute to Magnolia’s championship aspirations.

HOTSHOT JAVI 🐔

New Magnolia recruit Javi Gomez De Liaño is optimistic about the Hotshots’ rebuild under Coach LA Tenorio and is eager to help shape a winning dynasty in the PBA’s 50th season.#PBA50 #PBAAngatAngLaban pic.twitter.com/V8iNTVVeoU

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) August 29, 2025

The Hotshots recently acquired Gomez de Liano in a one-on-one trade with Terrafirma, which sent sharpshooter Jerrick Ahanmisi in the opposite direction. 

The move reunited Javi with a more stable and competitive roster, offering him a chance to thrive in a system that values team play and two-way effort.

Before his return to the PBA, the 6-foot-3 wing spent the past season suiting up for the Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters in the Korean Basketball League (KBL), where he further developed his game on the international stage. 

His stint in Korea came after an impasse with Terrafirma regarding a contract extension, prompting him to take his talents overseas.

Javi played for Terrafirma from 2022 to 2024, playing a key role in the team’s surprising playoff run during the 2023-24 Philippine Cup. Despite the team’s struggles, he emerged as one of the bright spots, showcasing his ability to impact games on both ends of the floor.

Interestingly, his PBA journey began with Barangay Ginebra, who selected him eighth overall in the 2022 PBA Rookie Draft. However, he never suited up for the crowd favorites, as he was traded shortly after the draft—along with Brian Enriquez—to Terrafirma in exchange for the rights to second overall pick Jeremiah Gray.

Now, with a new team and a clean slate, Gomez de Liano is determined to prove his worth in the PBA and solidify his place among the league’s elite wingmen.

Adding another layer of intrigue to the family legacy, Javi’s younger brother, Juan Gomez de Liano, is set to enter the upcoming PBA Season 50 Draft—raising the possibility of the two brothers eventually facing off or even teaming up in the pro ranks.

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.