Juan Gomez de Liano eyes quick return amid Converge’s slow start

For the Converge FiberXers, the process has come with unexpected complications.

Instead of simply refining rotations and building chemistry, Converge is being forced to adapt without key pieces, most notably Juan Gomez de Liano, who remains sidelined with a knee injury.

The absence has added another layer of difficulty for a team still trying to establish rhythm in the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

The injury, sustained during their previous outing against the Terrafirma Dyip and has left Gomez de Liano in a holding pattern. After undergoing an MRI, the 26-year-old guard is hoping for positive news—and a quick return.

“I hurt my knee last game, natamaan, knee to knee. That’s pretty much the same. Kinda a bit swollen, so hopefully it heals by itself, and hopefully mabilis,” the lefty guard said.

But beyond the physical setback, it’s the inability to contribute that weighs heavier. As Converge slipped to a 1-2 record, Gomez de Liano could only watch from the sidelines, an unfamiliar position for one of the team’s primary creators.

“I really wanted to be out there with the guys and just kinda help them, pero injuries are out of my control,” he said.

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.

“Tough loss. I hate to see my guys losing.”

Converge point guard Juan Gomez De Liano revealed how he got hurt and when he will return to action.

@ErnestLeo @SportsOnAirPH pic.twitter.com/lLICJAq700

— Homer Sayson (@HomerSayson) March 18, 2026

His absence is particularly felt in matchups that demand backcourt firepower, especially against players like CJ Cansino, a familiar rival dating back to their UAAP days.

Still, inside the Converge camp, there is a sense of patience rather than panic. With the conference still young—and with reinforcements on the way in Calvin Abueva—the team is choosing to view early losses as part of a longer process.

“It’s just a matter of time to build trust with one another and gain chemistry. I’m glad these two losses happened early in the conference,” he said. “We just have to continue to build up and work together … we just have to be patient,” the 26-year-old added.

For Gomez de Liano, the focus now shifts entirely to recovery. A demanding offseason that included duties with Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers may have contributed to the wear and tear, making rest just as critical as rehab.

“I’m gonna just attack rehab, just allow it to heal, I’ll just catch up on some rest. Kasi tuluy-tuloy rin ‘yung mga ganap sa akin like with the training, Gilas, and I feel like overfatigued lang. Hopefully, makabalik na ako,” he added.

Time, however, is a luxury Converge can’t fully afford. A looming matchup against the San Miguel Beermen on March 25 presents another early measuring stick, one the FiberXers hope to face at full strength.

Whether Gomez de Liano suits up or not, his presence on or off the floor remains central to a team still trying to find its footing.

Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!