Juan Gomez de Liano returns to Gilas practice after three years as team begins buildup for World Cup qualifiers

Juan Gomez de Liano will rejoin Gilas Pilipinas practice for the first time in three years as the national team kicks off its training for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers on Tuesday.

His return comes just two days after an impressive outing for Converge in a win over Barangay Ginebra, prompting Gilas head coach Tim Cone to bring him into the pool for the opening window against Guam.

“We’ve invited Juan to the practice. That doesn’t necessarily mean he is going to be in the Final 12 but he will come and join us,” Cone said.

Gomez de Liano’s inclusion helps address the absence of several key players in the early stages of training. Kevin Quiambao and Carl Tamayo will remain tied to their Korean Basketball League teams until November 20, while AJ Edu will also miss the first practices due to personal commitments.

With this, Gomez de Liano becomes one of two players—alongside Quentin Millora-Brown—still learning Cone’s system.

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JUSTIN NOYPI IS REALLY BACK

Converge FiberXers’ Juan Gomez de Liaño met up with Justin Brownlee, confirming Brownlee’s return to the Philippines to reinforce Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers later this month.#PBA50 #PBA50LID #FIBA #WCQ pic.twitter.com/mkaVzlF4an

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“QMB and Juan will be the only ones who don’t know the system and needed to be taught. They will starting from ground zero,” Cone added.

Despite being a late addition, Gomez de Liano may find himself with a real chance to make the roster due to ongoing visa concerns affecting some members of the pool.

“Right now, we are considering him obviously. We have him in practice. If we continue to have visa issues or God-forbid, someone gets injured or something, he could very well go. He’s got his visa and he is on the list so he could be part of the 12,” Cone said.

The second overall pick in the 2025 PBA Draft said he’s ready for the opportunity.

“Since my last stint with Gilas, I’ve gone through many ups and downs that truly humbled me. I believe all those experiences helped me grow tremendously, and now I’m coming in more mature and ready to contribute in any way the team needs,” he said.

“I understand the game much better now, and I hope I can help the team however I can.”

Gomez de Liano last played for Gilas during the second window of the 2023 World Cup Qualifiers, logging 14 minutes in games against India and New Zealand. His addition brings the current pool to 17 players as the team continues its buildup for the Guam matchups in Window 1. 

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