JUAN Gomez de Liaño is bringing his act to Japan.
The former University of the Philippines ace playmaker was signed by Earthfriends Tokyo Z in the second division of the B. League, the team announced yesterday.
Gomez De Liaño said he cannot wait to begin a new chapter in his career after playing three seasons with the Fighting Maroons in the UAAP highlighted by a Rookie of the Year plum in 2017.
“I’m honored to be part of the Earthfriends Tokyo Z team and I’m very excited to battle it out and compete all throughout the season and to be part of this journey,” Gomez de Liaño said.
“I’m looking forward to meeting you guys soon and I hope you guys support us through the challenges ahead,” he added.
The 6-foot-2 Gomez de Liaño likely opted to forego his final two years for UP after he saw action for Nueva Ecija in the pro league Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3 President’s Cup powered by TM last year.
Although he was given a special guest player license by the Games and Amusements Board, the UAAP said it will not honor the license.
Gomez de Liaño, 22, will suit up for Earthfriends Tokyo G under the Asian Player Quotas.
Former Ateneo star Thirdy Ravena was the first Filipino to play in the B. League last year for San-En NeoPhoenix. Former Maroon Jaydee Tungcab was also set to play in the league’s second division but this did not push through due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recently, NLEX star and Thirdy’s brother Kiefer Ravena was also signed by Shiga Lakestars but legal problems prevented him from going overseas.
Earthfriends Tokyo Z said Gomez de Liaño will certainly provide a big boost to the squad.
