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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Despite cut, Juan GDL set for bigger Gilas role, says Cone

Despite cut, Juan GDL set for bigger Gilas role, says Cone

Published Nov 25, 2025 11:53 am

At A Glance

  • Still, because they see Gomez de Liano as a long-term piece of the program, Cone said the coaching staff chose to build the foundations of their system around the combo guard, hoping he can finally suit up for the team by the next window.

Juan Gomez de Liano is going to be a Gilas fixture despite missing the cut, assures head coach Tim Cone. (File Photo)
Juan Gomez de Liano is going to be a Gilas fixture despite missing the cut, assures head coach Tim Cone. (File Photo)
Juan Gomez de Liano may have missed out on a spot in Gilas Pilipinas’ final 12 for the first window of the 2027 FIBA World Clup Asian Qualifiers, but head coach Tim Cone assured that the Converge rookie will be a major part of the program moving forward.
Explaining the decision to cut Gomez de Liano along with Troy Rosario and Jamie Malonzo, Cone said the move was never about talent, but rather about his familiarity with the triangle system.
The veteran mentor went as far as saying that the 25-year-old playmaker will play a key role in Gilas’ future.
“It was a really tough decision because he practiced really well. But Juan is a future Gilas player. He will be on the team at some point,” Cone said of Gomez de Liano.
“It just so happens that this time, he is pretty new to the system,” he added.
Still, because they see Gomez de Liano as a long-term piece of the program, Cone said the coaching staff chose to build the foundations of their system around the combo guard, hoping he can finally suit up for the team by the next window.
“What we did with him is we laid the foundation for Juan in terms of him learning the system this time and being able to go with us next time,” explained Cone, as the Nationals are expected to face a tougher schedule against New Zealand and Australia in the February window.
“He is going to be a fixture of this team. Instead of saying we are sorry to Juan, it was like congratulations Juan, you proved your worth. You’re gonna be on this team and there's no doubt about it. He is really a stud.
“There is no reason for us to not bring him this time except for the fact that we want to be loyal to the ones we had and RJ also had a great camp as well,” he added.
“RJ knows the system a little bit more. He was with us last window so he was a little ahead in terms of knowledge so we picked RJ but again, Juan is gonna be a part of the 12 very soon,” Cone said.
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