Converge rookie Juan Gomez de Liaño in action. PBA Images
ANTIPOLO, Rizal — Not making the Final 12 for Gilas Pilipinas in the first window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers is just added motivation for Converge rookie Juan Gomez de Liaño.
Gomez de Liaño was notably absent from the final Gilas lineup in the recent national team stretch against Guam.
In an interview with reporters Friday, just after Converge dismantled Magnolia, 114-97, Gomez de Liaño said that being added to the national team pool and recognition from Gilas head coach Tim Cone are already a "blessing."
Gilas Men then eventually overwhelmed Guam twice in a home-and-away setup, 87-64 and 95-71.
"I'm used to it. I've been cut three times from the national team. Of course, that's added motivation for me. I told myself, coming to the next games, 'I'll try to continue to dominate the league,' he said. "Just to be part of the pool, it's a blessing. Just to be recognized by the whole squad, especially coach Tim [Cone]."
READ: FIBA: Juan GDL’s Gilas return a matter of when and not if, insists Cone
"It started from the under-18s. It just more added fire and motivation towards my career. I don't really look at it like I'm down and sad. I don't really look at it that way. It's always added motivation," the former University of the Philippines star added.
Describing how the Gilas training went as he was part of the pool, de Liaño said the experience was "great," stating that the players are all focused on bringing glory to the country.
READ: For Converge's Juan GDL, Gilas call-up is a 'huge confidence boost'
"The experience has been great. I love the guys. We're all as a group, we know how to work together. It's a great environment to be in. Everyone's just locked in. Doing it for the whole nation," he said.
As PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup resumed at the Ynares Center here, Gomez de Liaño uncorked 27 points, seven rebounds, and five assists to tow the FiberXers past the Hotshots to join NLEX and Rain or Shine as league leaders.