Last-minute changes often carry a greater meaning than what many see on the surface. 

A change in schedule may save one from a major incident. Players sitting out could mean more time for recovery while those thrust into the lineup to replace them can get more opportunities to shine. 

The latter is the case for Juan Gomez De Liano, who will once again resume national team duty. 

Gomez De Liano has more often than not been in consideration for Gilas Pilipinas, but he has always been among the last cuts. He had suited up in previous for the squad in previous qualifying windows, but he had often been a spectator for the major tournaments. While he may not admit it, the omissions have motivated the 26-year old to perform even better in the PBA. 

After finding his footing, Gomez De Liano has continued to elevate his game. It’s not just the scoring that has improved, but his overall comfort level of playing in a grown man’s league. Of course, the former UP Fighting Maroon has had various stints abroad, but playing in the PBA has a different feel to it. The expectations are different and the games are fewer. It’s a different kind of pressure, because Filipino basketball players abroad don’t have to carry a heavy load on their shoulders. In the PBA, though, they’re expected to take over from the jump. 

Gomez De Liano has had marquee games already despite not even having a full season in the PBA, and it has kept in consideration for the Philippine national team. However, given his formal inclusion for this qualifying window, it should only motivate him to go all out in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup. Taking in elite coaching and playing with the best local players should give him the motivation to perform even better in the last conference of the season. 

The Converge FiberXers finished in ninth place in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup after earning the fourth-seed and a quarterfinal finish in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup. The FiberXers have the talent, but now nurturing that talent is the next step. And for Gomez De Liano and teammate Justine Baltazar, a Gilas stint is the right place to start. 

How Juan Gomez De Liano handles this current Gilas Pilipinas stint can also open doors for future opportunities with the national team. Tim Cone and the rest of the Gilas coaching staff get to work with this version of Gomez De Liano and with the way he has worked and uplifted his game, they may want to consider him even more in Gilas Pilipinas’ long-term plans.