Juan GDL joins Gilas' 'Final 12' for WCQ Window 2

Juan Gomez De Liano is back with Gilas. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Juan Gomez De Liano's Gilas Pilipinas return is finally happening, as he was named to the final 12-man lineup for the second window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.

As confirmed by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas on Wednesday night, the six-foot-one Converge super rookie will join the national team for its two-game home stand against New Zealand and Australia at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Gomez De Liano, who missed the cut in the home-and-home set against Guam just before Christmas, will take over RJ Abarrientos's spot even as the rest of the first-window roster remains.

Returning for Gilas in the "Final 12" are Quentin Millora-Brown, Chris Newsome, Scottie Thompson, June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, Dwight Ramos, Japeth Aguilar, Kevin Quiambao, Justin Brownlee, Carl Tamayo, and AJ Edu.

Just like against Guam, Troy Rosario takes a backseat, while Balti Baltazar, the latest addition to the pool, is relegated to the reserves for now, too.

Currently 2-0 in the first phase of the road to Doha, Gilas can book its place in the second phase with a win at home either on Thursday night against the Tall Blacks or on Sunday night against the Boomers.