JGDL GETS COACHES' BLESSING TO SHOOT FOR HISTORY IN PBA DEBUT

MONTALBAN – Recording a historic triple-double right in his PBA debut wasn’t in the radar of rookie Juan Gomez de Liano.

But when the opportunity presented itself, the guard out of University of the Philippines went for the record just the same.

In a game to remember, Gomez de Liano became the first rookie to pull off the feat in his very first game behind a 15-10-11 statline to highlight the 129-92 Converge romp over Titan Ultra in the Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center here on Saturday night.

READ: Juan GDL gets triple-double in debut as Converge blows out Titan

The no. 2 overall pick in the recent draft completed the feat when he grabbed the rebound with 1:48 left in the game after a Damie Cuntapay missed attempt from the three-point range and the outcome of the match already way in favor of the FiberXers, 124-88.

The rookie said he became aware he’s nearing the triple-double mark late in the game and asked the approval of coach Delta Pineda if he can stay on finish the contest.

"Towards late in the game, I was informed that I needed like a couple of rebounds and assists. And I asked the coaches if I could just play the game. And I’m glad they allowed me," said Gomez de Liano.

In doing so, he became the first player to complete a triple-double right in his debut game and the first local player in Converge franchise history to do it.

He is also the first rookie to notch a TD since Scottie Thompson did the same for Barangay Ginebra in 2016.

Making the feat memorable for De Liano was the presence of his family at courtside to witness him make history, including brother and fellow PBA Javi Gomez De Liano of Magnolia.

Prior to the remarkable feat, Gomez de Liano owned two triple-doubles in his career which he did in the UAAP (University of the Philippines) and the PBA D-League (Marinerong Pilipino).

Converge rookie coach Delta Pineda said he was actually a little bit concerned about Gomez de Liano’s playing time as he played a total of 33 minutes in his first PBA game – the most for any of the FiberXers.

"Nagwo-worry nga ako doon sa oras niya. Pero hiningi niya sa akin ito, kaya binigay ko lang. Nice game naman. Masaya kaming lahat," said the current Pampanga vice governor.

Gomez de Liano said he just followed what Pineda told the team during his pre-game huddle.

"It’s not a bad way to start my PBA career especially Gov’s first win as a head coach. As Gov said just enjoy the game, everyone gets their chance to play the game the right way," said the rookie, who played in various overseas leagues before deciding to take his act in Asia’s first ever play-for-pay league.

2025-10-11T14:15:06Z