Just when Terrafirma Dyip started to flicker with hope, the PBA finds itself staring down another potential setback. Javi Gomez de Liano, a key cog in their surprise playoff run last season, has announced his departure for the Korean Basketball League (KBL). The move, while not entirely unexpected given the allure of a bigger stage, throws a bucket of cold water on the Dyip's nascent rebuild.
De Liano's farewell on social media was a gracious one, acknowledging the franchise's role in resurrecting his career after a forgettable stint in Japan. He blossomed into a legitimate scoring threat under coach John Bryant, averaging nearly 16 points and 6 assists during their Cinderella run to the playoffs.
This becomes the latest instance of a young Filipino talent choosing greener pastures overseas, leaving a PBA team, particularly a rebuilding one like Terrafirma, in the lurch. The sting is particularly sharp considering the Dyip's newfound promise. De Liano's departure creates a significant hole, not just statistically, but also in terms of leadership for their young core.
The question now looms: will Terrafirma become even more hesitant to develop young talent, fearing another exodus to more lucrative leagues? This wouldn't be an unfounded concern. The perception of the PBA as a stepping stone rather than a destination has been a persistent issue, especially for players with aspirations of playing abroad.
Could this be the start of a vicious cycle for Terrafirma, forced to constantly churn through young talent only to see them leave just as they're hitting their stride? It's a legitimate worry, and one that the PBA needs to address if they want to foster parity and long-term success for its " also-ran" franchises.
The hope was that De Liano's development, alongside the emergence of young guns like Isaac Go and Kemark Carino, would propel Terrafirma into a more competitive team. Now, they'll need to find a way to fill the void left by his departure, and fast. Whether they'll become even more reliant on the "farm system" model often attributed to the MVP conglomerate teams remains to be seen.
One thing's for certain: Javi Gomez de Liano's decision is a blow to Terrafirma's momentum, and another reminder of the challenges the PBA faces in retaining young talent. The league needs to find a way to make itself a more attractive destination for Filipino players with global aspirations, or risk becoming a mere stepping stone on the path to greener pastures overseas.
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