[PODCAST] At the Buzzer: The new and improved Javi Gomez de Liaño

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Javi Gomez de Liaño, UP Fighting Maroons’ sharpshooter and Gilas Pilipinas’ new breakout standout, joins host Naveen Ganglani as the two discuss the past, present, and future on the latest episode of At the Buzzer.

Javi, the second oldest of the popular Gomez de Liaño siblings, opens up about the journey that led to his first stint with the Philippine national team during the recently-held second window of the FIBA Asia 2021 Qualifiers in Manama, Bahrain.

The versatile scorer and playmaker sheds light on his weight loss journey and how making healthier lifestyle decisions have opened more possibilities for his budding basketball career.

Gomez de Liaño discusses what it was like to be part of a talent-loaded Gilas team that prevailed twice in dominant fashion over regional rival Thailand, during which Javi portrayed an improved skill set.

Javi also opens up about his immediate future, which includes wrestling between the decision to go pro or return for another run with UP in his last season of eligibility.

Doubted and cast aside for most of his young basketball life, Javi details how using that motivation has enabled him to reach new heights.

Here is an excerpt from the podcast:

Naveen: What was it like when you finally got confirmation that you would be [wearing] the Philippines jersey?

Javi: So the first game was November 27. It was the 25th of November, night time. After our training we had dinner then after dinner, we always have viewing every night. After the viewing, coach paused for a while and he said, “Alright, I’ll announce the lineup now” and he said that the first two players which he will mention won’t play. When I found out that I was going play, I was low-key super happy, but I was acting chill and all. You know, got to keep it cool. Deep inside I was so happy. After the meeting, I went straight to my room and I was like, “Wooo!”

– Rappler.com