Juan Gomez de Liaño and AJ Edu are set to play overseas after landing deals with Korean and Japanese clubs, respectively.
Gomez de Liaño, who last played with the BC Wolves in Lithuania, will be returning to Asia after signing with Seoul SK Knights in the Korean Basketball League while Edu will see action for Toyama Grouses in the Japan B. League.
The former University of the Philippines star had a forgettable stint in Europe after averaging only three points, 1.14 rebounds and 0.57 assists per game in seven games for the Wolves.
The Wolves, however, made it to the final of the European North Basketball League, where it absorbed a heartbreaking 66-70 loss to BM Stal Ostrow Wielkopolski of Poland last 12 April.
According to the Knights, having a combo guard like Gomez de Liaño will give them flexibility in their backcourt rotation.
“With high elasticity and strong defense, he will be able to play both the point guard and shooting guard positions,” the team said in a social media post.
Seoul is coming off a heartbreaking seven-game finals series against Anyang KGC, which was bannered by Gilas Pilipinas player Rhenz Abando.
Aside from Abando, Gomez de Liaño will join KBL Rookie of the Year RJ Abarrientos (Ulsan Hyundai Mobis Phoebus), SJ Belangel (Daegu KOGAS Pegasus), and Justin Gutang (Changwon LG Sakers) in the list of Filipinos playing in the KBL.
Meanwhile, Edu, a member of the Gilas Pilipinas pool for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, will patrol the shaded lanes for the Grouses.
The University of Toledo standout will be playing as an Asian import for the Grouses, a team that finished 22nd in the overall standings after a dismal 15-45 win-loss record.
Edu joins brothers Kiefer (Shiga Lakes) and Thirdy Ravena (San-en NeoPhoenix), Kai Sotto (Hiroshima Dragonflies), Matthew Wright (Kyoto Hannaryz), Dwight Ramos (Levanga Hokkaido), and Ray Parks (Nagoya Diamond Dolphins) playing in the B1 League.
The Filipino-Cypriot player can’t wait to join the Grouses, Ramos’ former team, once his Gilas duties are done.
“Excited to begin my professional basketball journey at Toyama Grouses! Looking forward to meeting all the staff, players and fans and giving my best on the court for you guys!” Edu said on the team’s website.
“I’m looking forward to meeting the fans, my teammates and the people involved in the club and I will do my best on the court for you.”
