Javi GDL departs Terrafirma, KBL opportunity next?
Javi Gomez De Liaño may soon find himself playing in international land once again after his PBA contract expired.
One of the breakout stars of this PBA season announced his departure from Terrafirma on an Instagram post on Friday evening, June 7.
“Thank you for the 2 amazing years that have passed! I am truly grateful for the opportunity of being able to play in the PBA, most especially making it to the playoffs with this franchise,” the 6-foot-3 wingman wrote.
“The team accepted me with open arms from the day I got traded and have helped me develop into not only a better player, but more importantly, a better individual. To the fans, thank you for showing up to our games and cheering us on! To my team mates, thank you for being real ones on and off the court. Our bond will definitely go a long way!”
Javi put together an outstanding campaign in 2023-2024 as one of the league’s most improved players. With career-high averages across the board of 16.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.3 steals a contest, he helped propel Terrafirma back to respectability on a competitive level in the pro league.
The Dyip won five games in the Philippine Cup and made the playoffs where they forced top-seed San Miguel to a knockout game.
Gomez De Liaño, the former UP Fighting Maroon, also shot career-best numbers from the field: 52% overall, and 39% from distance.
Javi’s two-year contract with Terrafirma expired at the end of May. His representation, Espiritu-Manotoc Basketball Management, said in a statement that “Javi is considering international opportunities,” and thanked his PBA franchise for being cordial after Gomez De Liaño explained his desire to the team.
“Terrafirma still owns the rights to Javi’s contract in the PBA,” EMBM clarified, but did not specify if Gomez De Liaño is now bound for either Korea or Japan.
Sources who spoke to ALL-STAR under the condition of anonymity believe an offer from a KBL team is imminent for Javi. The length of the contract is gauged to be either for one or two seasons. His younger brother, Juan, was signed by the Seoul SK Knights last year.
This possible opportunity could be Gomez De Liaño’s second stint abroad after he played as an Asian Quota player for Ibaraki in the Japan B. League back in the 2021-2022 season.
Javi didn’t have a great stint there – averaging just 3.1 points a game – but the experience refined his overall capabilities which were emphasized this PBA season.
Photos from: PBA Images, B. League
