GILAS Pilipinas and University of the Philippines player Juan Gomez de Liaño is heading to Japan to play in the second division of the B.League.
In an announcement made on Wednesday, the EarthFriends Tokyo Z club said it has signed the explosive guard to play for the team in their upcoming season.
That makes Mr. Gomez de Liaño the latest homegrown Filipino player to sign and play in the Japanese league after brothers Thirdy and Kiefer Ravena, although the latter’s move is on hold because of his commitment with the Philippine Basketball Association.
The former Fighting Maroon said he is very excited to take his talent to the B.League and help EarthFriends Tokyo Z bounce back after a rough season.
“I am honored to be part of the EarthFriends Tokyo Z Team. I am very excited to battle it out with you guys and to be part of this journey,” Mr. Gomez de Liaño said in the official team statement.
“I am looking forward to meeting you all soon. I hope I can count on your continuous support through the challenges ahead. Let’s get it!”
EarthFriends Tokyo Z finished last season with a 13-46 record.
Mr. Gomez de Liaño played for the Gilas national squad in the first two windows of the just-concluded FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo