MANAMA (Bahrain) -  Juan Gomez De Liano treated the Filipino basketball fans with a slight breakout performance in the Bahrain bubble of the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers.

"We have a lot of talent and potential. The future is looking bright, and we’re in the right hands with an amazing program."

His averages didn’t exactly skyrocket, but he was trusted with a larger role in the offense and did a good job responding to receiving those responsibilities. In the two games played in the bubble, Juan averaged 13.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 50 percent from the three-point line.

It was not too difficult to point to the up-and-coming 21-year-old as one of the standout performers from both Asia Cup Qualifiers bubbles. He continuously forced the Thailand defense to stay on the tip of their toes with his smooth handles and long range shooting. Juan wears #1 when he is on the court because he is always out to "be the best version" of himself as soon as he steps on the court and he’s been doing just that.

Obviously, this was an impressive outing for the young guard but these two games had more meaning than just the result of how well he played. These two games were the first time Juan was able to play with his older brother, Javi, in a FIBA men’s event.

When the siblings were subbed into the game late in the first quarter of the first game against Thailand, they finally shared a court for the first time at this level as well.

"It’s been truly an honor and a blessing for us to be given this opportunity," Juan said. "It also has been a great overall experience for the both of us, being able to understand the game even more and learn so much from coach Tab [Baldwin] and the rest of the coaching staff."

Like many young Filipinos, the De Liano lived and breathed basketball throughout their childhood. They were introduced to the game at an early age and were nearly inseperable, especially on the court.

"We sort of started playing at the same time," Juan said. "Our dad would always accompany us to the court and guide us when we were young. We grew up together and basically played on the same team all throughout our career."

"It’s been a long time dream of ours to finally represent our country together and play the game that we love at such a high level. I’m glad we made it happen."

It didn’t take too long after being on the court at the same time for the De Liano bros to connect with each other. Juan dished out a perfect go-head pass to a streaking Javi in transition for their first combo basket in the Gilas jersey.

As a matter of fact, of all the 7 assists Juan made in these bubble games, 2 resulted in baskets made by his big brother. The duo must have gotten even more comfortable in their second game together as they combined for 33 points and 8 three-pointers.

"The game for us is much easier every time we play together. We both know our tendencies, strengths, and weaknesses pretty well."

However, the connection and chemistry within the Philippines national team squad spreads further than just between the De Lianos. This was a young and exciting squad that dazzled with their potential and the De Lianos were just a part of the youth movement.

"Thrill and excitement," Juan said of his feelings being on this team. "We have a lot of talent and potential. The future is looking bright, and we’re in the right hands with an amazing program."

That’s certainly good news for the Philippines basketball fans who are hoping to see their team play at Asia Cup 2021. They are now close to clinching a spot to the premier event in the region, undefeated in the Qualifiers with a 3-0 record.

"I feel like we have a great chance [to qualify for Asia Cup 2021]. The team is only getting better."

With what fans have seen from talents like Juan and Javi De Liano, who connect on a special level, they are certainly looking forward to witness more from these young guns and how far they can go.

FIBA