Juan Gomez de Liano wasted no time proving why he was the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s PBA Rookie Draft, powering Converge to a convincing 96-77 victory over Blackwater in a tune-up game Saturday at the Hoops Center in Mandaluyong City.
The rookie guard once again showcased his offensive arsenal, dropping 20 points in only his second appearance with the FiberXers. Gomez de Liano, who recently signed a three-year contract, has quickly looked at home in Converge’s system as he continues to build momentum heading into his first PBA season.
The win marked Converge’s second straight preseason triumph, bouncing back from an opening loss to Rain or Shine.
For Blackwater, it was a debut to forget for rookie Dalph Panopio, the Italy-born former Batang Gilas standout selected right after Gomez de Liano in the draft. Panopio showed glimpses of potential but was still finding his rhythm after inking his own three-year deal with the Bossing.
Blackwater also welcomed Christian David back to action after the swingman secured a two-year extension with the team. However, the Bossing missed the services of guard Sedrick Barefield, who sat out with a shoulder injury. Head coach Jeffrey Cariaso assured fans that Barefield is expected to be fully recovered before the season begins.
The tune-up served as Blackwater’s first since their impressive runner-up finish in the Kadayawan Invitational in Davao City last month. But on this night, it was Converge—and its highly touted rookie Gomez de Liano—who stole the spotlight.
