Filipino-Spanish Jordi Gomez de Liaño’s move to España is more of a homecoming than a transfer, Growling Tigers head coach Jinino Manansala told the Varsitarian, saying that the six-foot-five swingman would fit UST’s system perfectly.

“His height is a good advantage and his threes would blend much with our offense,” Manansala said.

Gomez de Liaño averaged 13 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 30 percent from deep for the University of the Philippines (UP) Integrated School in UAAP Season 82.

The last iteration of the Tigers—which consisted of sweet-shooting guards CJ Cansino, Mark Nonoy, Renzo Subido, Brent Paraiso and Rhenz Abando and was coached by Aldin Ayo—was best known for perimeter shooting.

In Season 82, UST had the best perimeter offense in the UAAP, averaging 39.64 points per game from beyond the paint.

But the team had undergone a fallout due to the Sorsogon “bubble” incident in 2020 and had to retool its roster and rebuild.

Manansala, who is no stranger to Ayo’s “mayhem” system as a former member of the resigned coach’s staff, said Gomez de Liaño would help reestablish UST’s identity as an offensive juggernaut.

The UST head coach also said that the former UP stud would develop under his system.

“Cansino and Abando are unique talents and irreplaceable. They are an unfortunate loss for our team. However, with Jordi, we can work with his own unique talents and capabilities to strengthen the team,” Manansala said.

“Although he will be new, he can learn much from our veterans—Soulemane Chabi Yo, Sherwin Concepcion and Dave Ando—to develop and become highly competitive. Our team shall continue the program that has been very effective for us,” he added. 

Gomez de Liaño was officially welcomed into the University by UST administrators and coaches on Monday morning.

“We have Chabi-Yo, Sherwin, Dave and Paul Manalang. And with Jordi, we can certainly compete,” Manansala said.

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