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Gilas Experience Gives Converge A Big Boost For Governors' Cup
Photo credit: PBA
Converge is expecting to benefit from the recent Gilas Pilipinas stint of Juan Gomez de Liaño and Justin Baltazar as the team gears up for the PBA Governors’ Cup.
Head coach Delta Pineda said playing against top international teams like Australia and New Zealand gave both players valuable experience and confidence that they can bring back to the FiberXers.
“Malaking bagay yung confidence na ibibigay nila sa team. Yung kumpiyansa nila doon sa na-experience nila doon sa dalawang matinding laban against Australia and New Zealand,” Pineda said.
It was the first time Gomez de Liaño and Baltazar suited up for the Gilas men's team under coach Tim Cone. Gomez de Liaño made an immediate impact during the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, averaging 10.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in two games.
His breakout performance came against New Zealand, where he scored a team-high 23 points and knocked down crucial three-pointers in regulation and overtime. Despite his heroics, Gilas fell short in a 106-102 double-overtime loss.
Pineda praised the young guard for stepping up in crunch time.
“Si Juan nag-take charge talaga in the dying seconds (against New Zealand),” he said.
Both players immediately returned to action for Converge in its 105-74 opening-game win over Titan Ultra in the Governors’ Cup. Baltazar finished with six points and 10 rebounds, while Gomez de Liaño nearly posted a triple-double with two points, nine rebounds, and nine assists.
Pineda also believes veteran big man Justin Arana, who contributed 14 points, six rebounds, and three assists in the victory, has the potential to earn a future Gilas call-up.
“If Arana will be on the next window, sana suwertihin kung magkaroon ng option. Imagine yung three guys ng Converge magsama-sama sa international league. Malaking bagay yun,” Pineda added.
Head coach Delta Pineda said playing against top international teams like Australia and New Zealand gave both players valuable experience and confidence that they can bring back to the FiberXers.
“Malaking bagay yung confidence na ibibigay nila sa team. Yung kumpiyansa nila doon sa na-experience nila doon sa dalawang matinding laban against Australia and New Zealand,” Pineda said.
It was the first time Gomez de Liaño and Baltazar suited up for the Gilas men's team under coach Tim Cone. Gomez de Liaño made an immediate impact during the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, averaging 10.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in two games.
His breakout performance came against New Zealand, where he scored a team-high 23 points and knocked down crucial three-pointers in regulation and overtime. Despite his heroics, Gilas fell short in a 106-102 double-overtime loss.
Pineda praised the young guard for stepping up in crunch time.
“Si Juan nag-take charge talaga in the dying seconds (against New Zealand),” he said.
Both players immediately returned to action for Converge in its 105-74 opening-game win over Titan Ultra in the Governors’ Cup. Baltazar finished with six points and 10 rebounds, while Gomez de Liaño nearly posted a triple-double with two points, nine rebounds, and nine assists.
Pineda also believes veteran big man Justin Arana, who contributed 14 points, six rebounds, and three assists in the victory, has the potential to earn a future Gilas call-up.
“If Arana will be on the next window, sana suwertihin kung magkaroon ng option. Imagine yung three guys ng Converge magsama-sama sa international league. Malaking bagay yun,” Pineda added.
Jul 13, 2026
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