Bo Perasol on GDL brothers' Japan stints: 'I will always be cheering for them'

While some were surprised when brothers Juan and Javi Gomez de Liaño decided to take their acts to the prestigious Japan B. League, their college coach Bo Perasol was not.

The University of the Philippines head coach shared that he has seen the work the two brothers have put into becoming better players and individuals, that he wasn't shocked in the slightest when they asked for his blessing before charting their next phase of their careers in the Land of the Rising Sun.

"Javi’s and Juan’s given opportunity to play as Asian imports in Japan is a testament of their dedication to their craft," Perasol told GMA News Online.

"They deserve now to earn from the countless hours they spent in the gym perfecting their skills."

Javi recently reached a deal with the Ibaraki Robots and will see action in B. League Division I where he will have a chance to play against fellow Filipino cager Thirdy Ravena.

Barely a month ago, his younger brother, Juan, was also announced to be suiting up as a reinforcement in Division 2 for the Earthfriends Tokyo Z.

Both cagers have seen action for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers with Javi averaging 10.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in three games he played. Juan, the 2017 UAAP Rookie of the Year, meanwhile, posted norms of 12 markers, three boards, and three assists in also three outings he suited up in.

Before that, the talented brothers powered UP Fighting Maroons where they played under the tutelage of Perasol. Both of them played key roles in UP's road to historic Season 81 UAAP Finals appearance against eventual champions Ateneo.

According to Perasol, the two have already given more than their share to UP's program and vowed that he will be rooting for the guys when they formally strut their stuff overseas in the upcoming season.

"They already paid their dues to our basketball program," Perasol added.

"I will always be cheering for them."

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News