FOR Converge coach Delta Pineda, young big man Justine Baltazar and super rookie Juan Gomez De Llaño’s recent Gilas Pilipinas stint easily benefitted the FiberXers.
Pineda said playing against world-class ballclubs New Zealand and Australia are huge for the confidence of the two young players, who are expected to spearhead Converge’s title aspirations for the PBA Governors’ Cup, along with Justin Arana and Alec Stockton as well as Mikey Williams.
“(Playing for Gilas) is huge for their confidence, the confidence and the experience they got playing against two tough opponents in Australia and New Zealand,” Pineda said.
While Baltazar played a bit role given the loaded Gilas front court, Gomez De Llaño wowed the huge Filipino fans that came in droves to watch at the Spark Arena in Auckland, knocking two cold-blooded threes in regulation play, and another triple in overtime in a massive display of fighting heart against the Tall Blacks.
New Zealand though managed to play steady down the stretch, as it went on to eke out a pulse-pounding 106-102 win against the Philippines.
Gomez De Liano who led Gilas with 23 points, would go on to average 10.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in the two games during the third and final window of the first round of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.
Gomez De Llaño, the leading contender to win the Rookie of the Year award for Season 50, along with Baltazar, previously played together in the Gilas juniors level.
But the recent Asian Qualifiers marked the first time the two young Converge gunners play under Gilas coach Tim Cone.
“That (experience playing for Gilas) is huge for Team Converge,” added Pineda. RICHARD DY