WITH THE uncertainty of local hoops due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, former University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons guard Juan Gómez de Liaño has opted to go overseas.
The Filipino-Italian guard agreed to play as the Asian quota player for the Earth Friends Tokyo Z in the Japan B.League’s 2nd Division, the squad announced recently.
According to de Liaño, the offer to play for Earth Friends Tokyo Z was too hard to resist as it was his dream to play professional basketball overseas.
“It’s hard to pass up these kinds of opportunities, especially during a hard time like what we are experiencing right now,” de Liaño said in an online interview.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to play overseas, and I’m glad to have this chance. This is a good way to start my pro career, especially being in Tokyo,” he added.
The 21-year-old de Liaño is the second Filipino basketball player to play in Japan B. League aside from Ilonggo Ferdinand “Thirdy” Ravena III of the San-En NeoPhoenix.
Another factor for his decision to play in Japan was his familiarity with Earth Friends Tokyo Z head coach Hugo Lopez. They were in constant communication for months now.
“A big factor in this decision was the relationship I have developed with Coach Hugo. He had a lot of trust in me, and he said that I’m going to fit well in his system,” he said.
“I’m not just representing myself or my family when I get to Tokyo, I’ll continue to give glory to our country to the best of my abilities,” the 6-foot-1 gunner went on.
The Earth Friends Tokyo Z underwent a massive roster overhaul and coaching change during the offseason, following their 13-46 campaign in the 2020-2021 B. League Division 2 Season./PN
