Javier Joaquin 'Tower of Power’ Gomez de Liaño: Nowhere to go but UP

By: Paolo Manuel C. Fule

Being a student in one of the country’s premiere universities is already a huge task, but being a student athlete in UP is an even harder endeavor especially when everyone is tasked to carry their team on their shoulders. But for this incoming rookie athlete for the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, nothing is impossible with the help of God and his family. 

Born Javier Joaquin Gomez de Liaño on July 27, 1998 in Mandaluyong City to Norberto Gomez de Liaño and Anna Gomez de Liaño, this 6-foot-4 forward is ready to take the cudgels of UPIS to the next level. He scored his career high of 24 points in the UAAP season 77 basketball tournament against the Ateneo de Manila University.  In the SMART Pilipinas Chinese Amateur Basketball League (PCABL), Javier Joaquin Gomez De Liaňo was handed out the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. His pre-game rituals include spending at least five minutes alone so he could go over his past mistakes and do better in his next games. He also doesn’t forget to pray before every game.

If given the chance to have a one-on-one match up with an NBA player, he likes Giannis Antetoukumpo because he is one of the most exciting players in the NBA now. “Giannis is 6’ 11” and can bring down the ball and call the play” quipped Javi. The UP cager’s favorite shot is the pull up jumper.

He also follows his conditioning coach’s advice because it is very effective. The foods that can make him stay fit for the game includes banana, taho and soy shakes like vitamilk. His favorite basketball players are NBA’s Russell Westbrook of OKC Thunder, Jared Dilinger in the PBA and NCAA MVP and now Ginebra Kings cager Scottie Thompson.

“Studying in the State University is not easy. You need to manage your time wisely so I study before our training starts so that when I get home, I could rest already”, said Gomez de Liaño. In pursuing his basketball dreams, he makes sure to take things step by step because he believes that these little steps will make a big impact on things that he has always been working for. He acknowledges that staying humble is also a key to one’s success in life.   

• Photo credits to UBL.

Email the author at paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com