Juan Gomez-de Liano confident in timing of PBA entry

MANILA, Philippines -- Following years of international play, guard Juan Gomez-de Liano believes it is now “the right and perfect chance” to be in the PBA.

Gomez-de Liano, a smooth playmaker out of the University of the Philippines, is expected to be one of the high picks of this year’s PBA Draft.

The lefty guard, who was measured at a hair over six feet tall, will not only bring his scoring and passing chops to the PBA, but also his international experience.

“I mean, I felt like it was a perfect time. I've been overseas for four years. I gained a lot of experience there. Developed a lot, not just as a player but as a person as well,” he told reporters at the sidelines of the PBA Draft Combine on Thursday.

“And now, I had the right and perfect chance to be here,” he added.

After his stint with the Fighting Maroons in the collegiate ranks, Gomez-de Liano took his act internationally, playing in the Japan B2.league, Lithuanian Basketball League and Korean Basketball League.

The guard added that he had “a couple of options” overseas, but felt that declaring for the PBA was the “best option” for him.

“I've pretty much just experienced… Been around the world. Whatever team gets me, a lot of energy, a lot of leadership as well,” he said.

“Someone who's like floor general. Great for his teammates, make the right plays. Yeah, just bring a lot of energy.”

One thing Gomez de-Liano said he is preparing for is the physicality and pace of the PBA.

“Just the physicality out here. I think that's a crucial thing compared to the leagues overseas. Pretty much also the pace, how the style of play out here in the PBA. It could be a lot faster. It depends on what team you're facing,” he underscored.

“Also, it's a different structure as well. Pretty much just those two. Basketball is all about reads. Matatalino yung mga players dito. And very talented, very skillful players.”

And now, he can either play against or play with his brother Javi, who was recently traded to the Magnolia Hotshots.

Gomez-de Liano is among the more than 120 PBA rookie aspirants who aim to hear their names called during the rookie draft on Sunday, September 7, at the Mall of Asia Music Hall.