Despite being part of the first two windows of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, Juan Gómez de Liaño was not part of the 20-man pool of Gilas Pilipinas that will compete in the Clark window and the Belgrade Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
It was a surprising non-call-up, since Gómez de Liaño had played in three of the four games in the Qualifiers so far. He averaged 12.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game.
When the invites for the pool came out early last week — and included his brother Javi — Juan confessed that he felt confused with what was happening since no one had called him up.
“For me, I was a bit surprised not seeing my name in there. It was kind of tough for me, hard to accept at first. I guess my performance wasn’t enough,” expressed the University of the Philippines product to Tiebreaker Times.
“It was something I could not understand.”
Of course, it’s human nature for Gómez de Liaño to feel this way.
Gilas Pilipinas program director Tab Baldwin then made sure to call the combo guard up afterward to explain the tough decision he and his staff had to make.
Gómez de Liaño had missed the first nine days of Gilas’ bubble last January due to a dental procedure. He was also absent the entire March camp of Gilas since he is still recovering from a minor injury and needed to heal first.
After the talk, Gómez de Liaño accepted the decision and offered nothing but praise for Baldwin and his program.
Photo from FIBA.basketball
“I respect their decision. Coach Tab and the rest of the staff know what is best for the team, and I have all praises to them,” he said.
“Nothing but respect for Coach Tab and I trust him. Coach Tab and I have kept it real since we met. He should know what is best for the team.”
At just 21 years young, Gómez de Liaño knows that he still needs a lot to improve on in his game.
Yes, despite getting good numbers, he realizes that there are still some flaws in his game that he needs to work on.
“I feel like I can still be better.
“I spoke to Coach Tab about it — I feel like I need more time to familiarize myself with his system and I have a lot to work and improve on. I’m taking it positively,” he stressed.
After the OQT this July, Gilas will once again expand its pool in preparations for both the Asia Cup proper; the first window of the World Cup Qualifiers; and the Southeast Asian Games, later in the year.
Gómez de Liaño vows to Gilas that his line will always be open for them if they need him back.
“Of course, I’m just going to stay ready when that call-up is going to be. I’m just going to stay in shape and waiting to represent the country again.”
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