Dyip lose key player anew as Javi GDL explores overseas options
At A Glance
- Just when it is starting to rise from the bottom of the PBA power ladder, the vastly improved Terrafirma took a huge blow and will be without one of its steady performers for the next season.
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Just when it is starting to rise from the bottom of the PBA power ladder, vastly-improved Terrafirma took a huge blow and will be without one of its steady performers for the next season.
Dyip wingman Javi Gomez de Liano bid his team goodbye through a social media post on Friday, June 7, amplifying talks of possible move to the Korean Basketball League.
“Thank you for the amazing two years that have passed! I am truly grateful for the opportunity to play in the PBA, especially for making it to the playoffs with this franchise,” said De Liano, whose contract with Terrafirma expired last May 31.
“The team welcomed me with open arms from the day I got traded and has helped me develop not only as a better player but, more importantly, as a better individual,” added De Liano.
He opted out of his contract extension to test the overseas market anew after a so-so stint with the Ibaraki Robots in the Japan B. League. He averaged 16.4 points, 5.72 rebounds, 2.24 assists, and 1.32 steals per game last season.
Selected eighth overall by Barangay Ginebra in the 2022 draft, De Liano found himself quickly on the move as part of a trade that would land him to the Dyip franchise in exchange for Jeremiah Gray.
De Liano spent two years with the Dyip and emerged as one of the team’s potent weapons alongside Juami Tiongson.
With the arrival of top rookie pick Stephen Holt, along with vast improvements in De Liano and Isaac Go’s games, Terrafirma scored its breakthrough playoff appearance in the Philippine Cup this season.
De Liano also took time to thank his teammates and the fans for supporting him all throughout his stint with the Dyip.
“To the fans, thank you for showing up to our games and cheering us on! To my teammates, thank you for being real on and off the court. Our bond will definitely go a long way!,” he added.
His move came as a huge blow for the Terrafirma franchise which seemed to just couldn’t catch a break even after its one of the most promising seasons since joining the league in 2014.