Marinerong Pilipino guard Juan Gomez de Liaño goes for a shot against La Salle in the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Finals. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—An optimistic Juan Gomez de Liaño is ready to keep getting better after falling short against EcoOil-La Salle, 91-78, in Game 3 of the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.
The newly-minted PBA D-League MVP, however, couldn’t help but lament the blown opportunity to close out the finals series after winning the opener.
“We fell short and I guess La Salle is just the better team today. They got momentum like they got game two. We fell short. Sayang,” de Liaño said.
De Liaño averaged 18.4 points, 8.4 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game in the elimination round but knew that his leadership was as crucial as his production in the finals against the Green Archers.
“I got my confidence back and [I’m] really just being more of a leader. It’s something that I needed to work on especially in my young career, just to guide my teammates and lead them the right way,” he said.
De Liaño gave his all and led with a game-high 30 points in a losing effort.
As for the f0rmer University of the Philippines standout’s future, he plans to continue working on his game as well as spend quality time with his family.
“Right now, I don’t know yet. I play to take a few days off and spend time with my family, chill for a bit but still spend time in the weight room and stay in shape.”
De Liaño, a former import in the Japan B.League, also confirmed that he has no offer to play elsewhere at the moment.