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MANILA (Philippines) – The man with the luxurious hair Juan Gómez de Liano is back on the 3×3 court of the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 President’s Cup.
The 20-year-old has become a basketball star in the Philippine college ranks, representing the UP Fighting Maroons.
But, Gómez de Liano rose to basketball prominence on the streets of Manila. Wherever he went, there were half basketball courts where he would learn the game.
“I was introduced to 3×3 basketball when I was 8 or 9 years old. I played 3×3 with adults; I grew up playing on the streets. You see everyone on the streets. They won’t play basketball. We are playing 3×3 and that’s the OG.”
Gómez de Liano, aka Mr. Swish, had his first experience with FIBA 3×3 at the FIBA 3×3 U18 World Cup 2017. The Philippines performed well, winning three of their four group stage games, and finally finished 7th in general. It was a return to a style of play that he knew quite well.
“It was very positive. Going into that tournament (the U18 World Cup) I remember that there were not many expectations for us. We finished 7th but it was a great experience to be able to compete at a high level.”
It was the first time he had represented the Philippines on the international 3×3 stage, an honor he appreciated when the opportunity was offered.
“It was really an honor. I see it as a blessing. Not many people have had this opportunity, so I never take things for granted. I really wanted to make my fellow citizens proud, and I think we did.”
Gomez de Liano is scheduled to return to the court 3×3 this October, for the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 President’s Cup, a 12-team event that will take place in Laguna, Philippines, October 19-30. The event will be held at the Inspire Academy and will require all players to enter the “bubble” after COVID testing and quarantine. This will be the first professional event of the new 3×3 league and will be streamed live at youtube.com/FIBA3x3.
When given the opportunity to play, it was a no-brainer for Gomez de Liano. “I love playing 3×3 tournaments. It is one of the first tournaments since closing and I had the opportunity to represent my team. I told the team that I had been playing 3×3 my whole life and I just want to bring a championship to my club.”
The tournament will be hosted by a nation that has been hungry for basketball. While players like Joshua Munzon and Alvin Pasaol, the top two 3×3 players in the Philippines will be playing, Gomez de Liano keeps coming in with a winning attitude.
“We joined this tournament with one mindset: win.”
Gómez de Liano will play in Nueva Ecija, a team with little experience in 3×3, except perhaps for team leader Gabriel Banal, who played in 2 rivals last year. He believes that their acumen in shooting and basketball will help them challenge to be on the best teams in the tournament.
“We are a smart team. We lack size, but we can shoot the ball and we are all smart players. We know how to play with each other, we are very versatile and we can all create for ourselves. No one is selfish in the group and it really is something that was waiting “.
With his return to the 3×3 stage ahead of him, he has a desire to continue playing in the format in the future.
“Why not, right? If I have the time and opportunity to play 3×3 basketball, why not? I love the game so much. If I have the time and opportunity, it is a sign to me.”
From the boy who plays basketball in the parks without shoes to the largest 3×3 stage in the Philippines, Gomez de Liano has 3×3 in his blood.
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