Juan Gomez de Liaño playing for Gilas Pilipinas. FIBA ASIA PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Juan Gomez de Liaño will head to Japan to play professional basketball after signing up for Earthfriends Tokyo Z in the B. League’s second division.
Earthfriends announced the signing Wednesday on its social media accounts, making de Liaño the second Filipino to play in Japan’s professional basketball league after Thirdy Ravena.
“I’m honored to be part of the earth friends Tokyo Z team. I’m very excited to battle it out and compete with you guys all throughout this season and be part of this journey,” said de Liaño.
The former Gilas member was signed under the B.League’s Asian Players Quota for the 2021-22 season.
De Liaño, who didn’t suit up in the third window of the 2021 Fiba Asia Cup Qualifiers, averaged 12 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in the three games with the national team.
Tokyo Z finished the previous B.2 season with a 13-46 record for the 15th spot in the table and seventh in the East District.