The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs. Converge FiberXers showdown in the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals has been an absolute classic. And within it is a battle within the war: that of elite guards Juan Gomez de Liaño and Adrian Nocum.
In Game 1, Nocum got the better of Gomez de Liaño, tallying 26 big points to go along with 5 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals, and the win. JGDL, on the other hand, finished with 13 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals, but took the L. In Game 2, Nocum posted a monstrous 22-point, 18-assist effort, but Gomez de Liaño’s 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists helped Converge even the series at one game apiece.
JGDL Happy for Adrian Nocum
After Converge survived Rain or Shine in Game 2 on Friday, Gomez de Liaño had only good things to say about Nocum, who happened to be his teammate with Marinerong Pilipino in the 2022 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup.
“He’s a tough competitor. Throughout the years, I’ve seen his growth…,” JGDL said of Nocum. “He was more like an off-guard, and now he’s transitioning into a point guard. He’s also part of the national team. So, just to see his growth and competitiveness within him, I’m very happy for the kid.”
That transition happened only this conference—and it was borne mostly out of necessity after Rain or Shine traded point guard Gian Mamuyac to the Phoenix Fuel Masters. Without Mamuyac and the still-injured Felix Lemetti in the early goings of the Governors’ Cup, Yeng Guiao put the ball in Nocum’s hands, and the Tondo-bred guard has only made his coach look like a genius.
Adrian Nocum Is Awed by JGDL’s Talent
For his part, the former Mapua Cardinal offered up high praise for his former teammate and now budding rival.
“Nung naging teammate ko siya sa Marinero, magaling na talaga siya. Pero ngayon mas grabe pa,” Nocum said of Gomez de Liaño. “Si Juan sobrang talented yan. Sobrang hirap niyang bantayan kaya kailangan madiin ka rin sa kanya lalo at sobrang deadly niya sa labas. Sa loob din ganun siya.”
Nocum has seen that talent from both ends. Back when they were teammates, JGDL took home MVP honors in that Aspirants’ Cup and led Marinerong Pilipino to the Finals, where they fell just short against EcoOil-La Salle. Now, the Rain or Shine star is seeing that talent from the other side of the fence—especially since he has had to guard the presumptive Rookie of the Year.
A Rivalry for the Future?
From the looks of it, Juan Gomez de Liaño versus Adrian Nocum has the makings of the PBA’s next great rivalry—two fearless, super-talented guards leading emerging franchises. And it appears JGDL is all for it.
“He loves to stay in the gym. Sobrang sipag din niya. Para sa akin, it’s going to be an exciting match-up,” the former UP Fighting Maroon added. “Hopefully, throughout the years, it’s going to be a tough, good match-up.”
If Games 1 and 2 are any indication, Nocum-versus-JGDL matchups will likely be exciting and explosive.
