Javi Gomez de Liano Draws PBA Interest, But His International Career Might Still Have Bigger Rewards
Javi Gomez de Liano, fresh off a solid campaign with the Anyang Jun Kwang Jang Red Boosters in the Korean Basketball League, revealed that a PBA team has shown interest in acquiring his services.
The 26-year-old swingman shared the news while watching the thrilling San Miguel vs. Barangay Ginebra clash Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
While Gomez de Liano didn’t disclose which team reached out, he confirmed that initial discussions have already taken place.
“Meron isang team. Pero verbal pa lang,” he said.
Still, any team that wants him will need to navigate through Terrafirma, which continues to hold his PBA playing rights.
“Yes, Terrafirma pa. So we’ll see how it goes,” he added.
Homecoming Vibes
GDL's visit to the Big Dome was a nostalgic one. He spent time reconnecting with former Terrafirma teammates like Stephen Holt, Isaac Go, Juami Tiongson, and Andreas Cahilig, all now suiting up for powerhouse teams.
He also met up with his fellow Gilas Pilipinas alumni — Jaydee Tungcab of Blackwater and William Navarro of NorthPort.
"I came up to watch my former teammates. It’s a free day. I just got home from my season and of course, I wanted to watch some PBA action. Nakaka-miss din," said the former University of the Philippines standout.
Before his KBL stint, Gomez de Liano was a cornerstone of a young and exciting Terrafirma squad that nearly upset San Miguel during the 2023 Philippine Cup quarterfinals. He formed part of a promising starting five that was eventually dismantled by trades and free agency exits.
After declining a contract extension from Terrafirma, GDL pursued opportunities overseas, bringing his versatile game to Korea and previously to Japan’s B.League.
A Big Decision Ahead
At the moment, GDL said he is weighing offers both from the KBL and the B.League, alongside the possibility of returning to the PBA.
There’s a strong personal pull for him to come back home.
“If I get a good offer here, and I hope I do, so that it will give me reason to stay here and be with family,” he said. “I’m at this point na that I want to settle down na rin. Nakakapagod din yung magbiyahe sa abroad.”
The Right Move for Gomez de Liano — and the Philippines
While the prospect of seeing Javi Gomez de Liano back in the PBA is exciting, it’s important to recognize the bigger picture.
If he can continue to grow, compete at a high level, and make the Philippines proud in elite international leagues like the KBL or the B.League, then staying abroad might be the wiser move — both for his career and for Filipino basketball.
GDL still has so much room to elevate his game, and every milestone he achieves overseas will only bring more honor to the country.
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