Juan Gomez de Liaño impresses in first Mighty Sports practice

MANILA, Philippines—University of the Philippines guard Juan Gomez de Liaño put his teammates in Mighty Sports on notice after the team held its first practice in preparation for the Dubai International Basketball Championship at Urdaneta Village gym Thursday.

Former Los Angeles Laker Lamar Odom and head coach Charles Tiu were impressed with Gomez de Liaño, who joins a team that also has Barangay Ginebra import Justin Brownlee and Chinese Basketball Association veteran Randolf Morris.

“This kid can play and he’s good,” said Odom who won two titles with the Lakers back in 2009 and 2010.

“Juan looked very good, I was also impressed with his decision-making,” said Tiu. “His overall game, including his shooting was great. He can do things pretty well on the court.”

Tiu added there was already a loose atmosphere with the players exchanging laughs during breaks.

“First practice was okay, I like that. Guys were excited, lots of laughs,” said Tiu. “They were practicing well. I hope we will do better next time.”

Tiu’s only concern so far is Harris and Odom’s conditioning with both still struggling to find their respective rhythms.

Team owner Alex Congchuking, though, is confident that Tiu and his coaching staff can remedy the problem.

“We hope we can address that and I believe the coaches have plans for them,” said Wongchuking.