Brothers Juan and Javi Gomez de Liaño are expected to meet on opposing sides of the PBA hardcourt.
After years of plying his trade overseas, 2025 saw Juan Gomez de Liaño throw his hat into the PBA Rookie Draft just in time for the league’s golden anniversary.
While “perfect timing” was key to Juan’s decision making, his thought process was also guided by something deeper — family. After all, Juan’s kuya Javi was set for a PBA homecoming, which coincided with his looming desire to play professional ball in the Philippines.
As Juan recalls, it was Javi’s trade to the Magnolia Hotshots that convinced him to join the Season 50 draft.
“I decided to go PBA kasi nakapirma siya with Magnolia. He had a couple of [overseas offers], but I think he decided stay here, stay home. And that’s also a big factor why I decided to enter the draft,” Juan said during the Season 50 Rookie Draft held last Sunday, September 7.
“And you know? It’s nice na may kasamang kapatid kahit magkalaban. Family is family, and I’m just grateful to be here.”
Juan GDL was the second overall pick during the Season 50 draft, becoming the latest addition to a promising Converge FiberXers core that features big men Justine Baltazar and Justin Arana, and a backcourt rotation led by Schonny Winston and Alec Stockton.
A shifty combo guard, Juan is expected to bring a game that has been polished in pro leagues across Japan, Lithuania, and most recently, Korea. As early as now, he’s already setting his sights on a coveted PBA championship with his new ballclub.
“It’s a difficult task, especially in the PBA, but I think we have all the pieces, especially from the management, the coaching staff, especially the players. I think we have the perfect chance to bring home a championship for Converge, so that’s what I’m definitely excited about,” Juan said.
Of course, there is also the chance to face Kuya Javi and Magnolia, which was once a scenario they imagined growing up. It’s also a change of scenery for the two, who were teammates with University of the Philippines in the UAAP, and with Gilas Pilipinas during the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
“100 percent! I’m super excited, I grew up with Javi. We were teammates since middle school and now we have the chance to go up each other in the PBA, you know? It’s really a blessing, and you know? My family, my friends, I feel like everyone is looking forward to that!” Juan said when asked about facing his older brother.
“It was something that we dreamt of since we were kids, and we’re just really grateful for the opportunity given to us.”
‘Very happy for him’
For Javi himself, Juan is in a perfect position to win with the FiberXers, especially with the team’s current composition. As the older GDL puts it, Season 50 was indeed the “perfect time” for his younger brother to take his act back home.
“I’m very happy, I’m glad that he decided to join the PBA this year, and I think it’s a perfect time to him. Converge, number two [pick], he’s in a great position right now, and they’re really strong as well, so I know he’s in good hands,” Javi told The GAME in a follow-up interview after the draft.
Like Juan, Javi is excited to face his brother on the PBA hardcourt, especially with the Season 50 Philippine Cup set to tip off this October. Though if Javi is being honest, a part of him hopes that they would be able to play on the same team just like before.
“We had plans being teammates together this year sana, kaso I guess madedelay muna. So, excited na magkasama kami ulit here in the Philippines, and we get to be with our families and play in front of our friends. So, really thankful for the Lord, thank you God for putting us in this position right now,” Javi said.
Juan had the same thoughts with Kuya Javi, but just like him, he’s just happy to be part of a promising Converge crew as a PBA rookie.
“It would have been nice if we were teammates, but it is what it is. And you know? I’m grateful with my current situation right now. I’m glad Converge FiberXers chose me, and you know? I just can’t wait to get going,” Juan reflected.
“They won’t regret their picks. So, yeah, I’m gonna make them proud and just continue to win games.”
Banner images taken by RJ Ballecer.