JGDL Makes History in Electric PBA Debut as Converge Crushes Titan Ultra

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by Lou Reyes

Converge rookie point guard Juan Gomez de Liano made history right on his very first game in the PBA by posting a triple-double.
Converge rookie point guard Juan Gomez de Liano (1) made history right on his very first game in the PBA by posting a triple-double. Photo: PBA Images.

Juan Gomez de Liano’s long-awaited PBA debut was everything fans hoped for. And more.

The rookie phenom wasted no time etching his name into the league’s record books, becoming the first-ever player to post a triple-double in his PBA debut, powering Converge’s 129–92 demolition of Titan Ultra in the Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Montalban on Saturday.

JGDL, the No. 2 overall pick in last month’s draft, delivered a brilliant all-around stat line of 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists, setting the tone for a FiberXers squad that played fast, free, and fearless under new head coach Dennis “Delta” Pineda, the Pampanga Vice Governor.

“I just wanted to help the team in any way I can,” said Gomez de Liano postgame. “This win was all about execution and teamwork. Everyone did their part, that’s what made it special.”

Converge big man Justin Arana completed a monstrous double-double to hold the front for the FiberXers.
Converge big man Justin Arana completed a monstrous double-double to hold the front for the FiberXers. Photo: PBA Images.

While the spotlight was firmly on the rookie guard, the night also belonged to Justin Arana, who turned in a monster 28-point, 22-rebound double-double, and Justine Baltazar, who added 15 points and 11 boards of his own. The frontcourt duo controlled the paint all night, giving Titan little room to breathe.

Coach Pineda, who also notched his first win as Converge’s head coach, was visibly thrilled. “You can see the joy in how they played,” he said. “This is the kind of tempo we want. Fast-paced, exciting, and unselfish basketball. The boys enjoyed it, and that’s what matters most.”

JGDL, fresh from stints in Japan, Lithuania, and Korea, looked right at home orchestrating the offense. His court vision and composure belied his rookie status, consistently finding open teammates and pushing the pace with confidence.

“Masaya ako kasi ang galing ni Juan magbasa ng laro,” Arana said. “Nakaka-excite makalaro kasama siya. Alam mo na anytime, kaya niyang gumawa o ipasa sa tamang tao.”

Juan Gomez de Liano drives past Titan Ultra's rookie Chris Koon.
Juan Gomez de Liano drives past Titan Ultra's rookie Chris Koon. Photo: PBA Images.

Converge’s offensive fireworks were unstoppable. Seven players scored at least eight points, including Schonny Winston (16) and Kevin Racal (12), as the FiberXers led wire-to-wire and never looked back.

On the other end, Titan Ultra’s hopes took a hit early after Calvin Abueva, coming off a 41-point explosion versus Meralco, exited the game in the first quarter due to a hamstring injury. Joshua Munzon tried to carry the load with 31 points, but the gap proved insurmountable.

Titan Ultra star Calvin Abueva injured his hamstring during the opening period.
Titan Ultra star Calvin Abueva injured his hamstring during the opening period. Photo: PBA Images.

Converge’s 37-point blowout not only marked their biggest franchise win but also sent a clear message to the rest of the league: the FiberXers are for real, and with JGDL running the show, the future looks blindingly bright.

The Scores:

Converge (129) - Arana 28, Winston 16, Gomez de Liano 15, Baltazar 15, Stockton 13, Racal 12, Suerte 8, Garcia 6, Raflores 5, Javillonar 5, Delos Santos 2, Caralipio 2, Monje 2, Santos 0.

Titan (90) - Munzon 31, Cuntapay 9, Melecio 7, Yu 7, Balanza 7, Flores 5, Bringas 4, Ambohot 4, Martinez 4, Sumang 3, Abueva 2, Pessumal 2, Ular 2, Barasi 0.

Quarterscores: 29-20, 60-41, 91-62, 129-92