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MANILA, Philippines – After three years, University of the Philippines standout Juan Gómez de Liaño will return to the version of basketball he loved at first: 3×3.
The 6-foot-1 guard, currently on a break from the Fighting Maroons, will dress for the Nueva Écija Vanguards in the upcoming Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 2020 President’s Cup, to be held in a “bubble” at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.
“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 in the streets. You see everyone in the streets. They are not going to play (5v5) basketball,” Fil-Español told FIBA 3×3.
Although he grew up playing the half court game, it was only in 2017 that Gómez de Liaño was able to show his talent on the FIBA 3×3 circuit.
Together with AJ Edu, Rhayyan Amsali and Encho Serrano, the quartet led the Philippines to an unprecedented seventh place at the FIBA U-18 World Cup.
“It was very positive. Coming to that tournament, I remember there were not many expectations for us. We finished seventh but it was a great experience to be able to compete at a high level,” he said.
Gómez de Liaño will now be the young gunman from Nueva Ecija, a team that has Gab Banal. Former Ateneo guards Tonino Gonzaga and Jai Reyes complete the team, as Juan’s brothers, Joe and Javi, had to back down.
For Juan, who has a special guest license from the Board of Games and Entertainment, they are determined to make their mark on the competition.
“We joined this tournament with a mentality: win,” he emphasized.
The President’s Cup will take place October 21-30.
FIBA 3×3, FIBA, 3×3, Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3, Juan Gomez de Liano, UP Fighting Maroons, Filipino sports, Filipino basketball, Filipino 3×3 basketball
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