THE popularity of basketball has inspired Filipinos, young and old alike, to pursue the sport invented by James Naismith with passion. Through the years, the country has witnessed the emergence of basketball players who carried a “brothers’ act” in the hard court.
In the current generation, brothers Javier and Juan Gomez De Liaño are showing the way to how basketball continues to be a unifying force for the family.
Javi, 20, and Juan, 19, are both shooting for a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education at the University of the Philippines in Diliman. They shared with the BusinessMirror their thoughts and plans.
How do you assess your basketball career?
Javi: It’s going as planned. Since Day One, I have been steadily working hard with the coaching staff to achieve the ultimate goal for the team and bring a championship trophy to my alma mater. I know these are baby steps but one day it will be achieved. Rewards will follow after good performance: endorsements and going professional will be the logical progression. Moreover, I am also grateful that I have not had any major injuries so far.
Juan: I have been so blessed in having the support of the [UP] community. Without it, I think I won’t have this wonderful basketball run ever since my high-school days at the UP Integrated School.
Obstacles are normal but the mission is not quite complete without the ultimate prize, which is to give UP its championship, something that has not been achieved for several decades now. I think the career will eventually follow if I keep working very hard with my teammates as we are the ones who need to help each other both in the collegiate level and eventually be together professionally.
How do you balance your dual roles as student-athlete?
Javi: It is all about time management. It is not easy showing up for practice every day, even skipping personal interests just to meet the demands of both academics and sports combined. But I see this role both as a blessing and an opportunity. In a recent journal study, the UP is ranked fourth among universities in Southeast Asia as well as 95th in Asia. Being privileged to be in this university has to be reciprocated by showing that I am worth it.
Juan: Time and again a lot of misconceptions have been downplayed by being a student-athlete. In UP, academics rule supreme. Studying in the country’s premier educational institution is no joke. If studying takes me away from playing the sports I love, without a doubt, [the] first supersedes the latter. That is the life of an Iskolar ng Bayan [people’s scholar]. Just like [what] my brother Javi said, it is all about having a sense of time management. And I am cool with that.
Are you required to put extra efforts in your studies considering the demands of playing basketball?
Javi: Without a doubt, I put extra effort in my studies considering the demands of playing basketball. It’s not easy but, as Ernest Hemingway, would put it: “A man can be destroyed but not defeated.”
Juan: Imagine this: workout in the morning then go to class after. In the afternoon, another round of classes then basketball scrimmage after. I get home in the evening mentally, physically and spiritually drained with roughly six hours to sleep. Repeat the following day and so on. I challenge whoever says that life as a student-athlete is a stroll in the park.
Do you think athletes should be given extra privileges such as makeup exams, etc.?
Javi: I believe it’s only right to be considerate. For example, the academic calendar for this semester in UP will end this month but our preseason tournaments have already begun with some dates coinciding with one another. Luckily, the UP professors are very understanding of our situation and we map out [our schedule] to maximize [our] allowance.
Are you already developing a road map for the professional league?
Javi: Every baller’s dream is to go professional. I have a mental road map of what to do to reach these goals. I see it possible with good working habits, sound spiritual guidance and a strong loyal fan base. With these, good things will follow.
Juan: I believe, skills wise, I have what it takes to go professional. I have been competing internationally for the country since the age of 16. Some of my foreign contemporaries I came across are already playing in the European league and even in the National Basketball League.
Describe your playing style.
Juan: I am unpredictable. You wouldn’t know what move I’m going to pull off. I play the point guard so I’ve been a pass-first guard ever since. My job is to create first for my teammates and give them a good look on the court before I try to score. I bring a lot of spark and energy to the team: someone who goes all out as soon as I step on the court.
Javi: My playing style is more like [how] Europeans [play]. I like hitting three pointers and creating [a play] for my teammates. I try my best to have a little bit of everything in the game.