Converge and Rain or Shine Battle for Governors’ Cup Semifinals
Juan Gomez de Liano praised former teammate Adrian Nocum after another memorable performance during their PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinal series. The former Marinero guards now meet as opponents, with Converge and Rain or Shine competing for a semifinal berth.
Nocum Earns Gomez de Liano’s Respect After Record Night
Justine Bacnis of Tiebreaker Times chronicled their reunion after Converge secured a 130-125 victory over Rain or Shine in Game 2. Nocum finished with 22 points and a franchise-record 18 assists despite the Elasto Painters falling short against the FiberXers.
Gomez de Liano delivered significant production himself, recording 20 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists during Converge’s five-point victory. Their performances provided another chapter for former teammates who previously shared the Marinerong Pilipino backcourt before reaching their current PBA teams.
Image from: Daily Tribune
Both Guards Deliver Complete Game 2 Performances
Nocum’s record-setting performance came against a familiar opponent who previously played alongside him during their shared PBA D-League stint. Gomez de Liano recognized the challenge presented by his former teammate after Converge survived their high-scoring Game 2 encounter.
“He’s a tough competitor,” offered Gomez de Liano after Converge’s victory.
Nocum Sets Rain or Shine Record With 18 Assists
Nocum established a Rain or Shine franchise record with 18 assists while adding 22 points during the Game 2 defeat. His performance combined historic playmaking production with double-digit scoring as the Elasto Painters attempted to overcome Converge during the quarterfinal matchup.
The 18-assist total also placed Nocum alongside a rare recent PBA benchmark previously reached by veteran guard Mike Cortez. Cortez recorded 18 assists for Air21 against TNT on December 13, 2012, although his team also lost that contest.
Mike Cortez Last Reached 18 Assists in 2012
Cortez’s 18-assist performance came nearly 14 years before Nocum matched that total during Rain or Shine’s loss to Converge. Nocum added 22 points to his record-setting playmaking night, strengthening the statistical significance of his performance despite the five-point defeat.
Marinero Days Connect Gomez de Liano and Nocum
Gomez de Liano and Nocum previously played together for Marinerong Pilipino during the 2022 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup campaign. Their shared stint came before both guards followed different professional routes that eventually brought them together again as PBA opponents.
Gomez de Liano had already represented Gilas Pilipinas and played for Earthfriends Tokyo Z in Japan before joining the Marinero roster. Nocum arrived following collegiate basketball at Mapúa and MPBL experience with San Juan before eventually establishing himself with Rain or Shine.
Former Teammates Follow Different Professional Paths
Marinero reached the 2022 Aspirants’ Cup Finals before losing against an EcoOil-De La Salle team featuring future standout Kevin Quiambao. Gomez de Liano earned Conference Most Valuable Player honors before later continuing his overseas career with BC Wolves in Lithuania.
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Gomez de Liano Sees Major Growth in Nocum’s Game
Four years after their Marinero stint, Gomez de Liano sees substantial development in the player he previously shared the backcourt with. Their earlier partnership provides firsthand context for his assessment of Nocum’s progression from their D-League season into his current PBA role.
Gomez de Liano specifically identified Nocum’s changing backcourt responsibilities while discussing the development he has observed across several seasons. He also referenced Nocum’s national team involvement as another marker of his progression since their time together at Marinero.
Nocum Develops From Off-Guard Toward Point Guard
Gomez de Liano recalled Nocum operating more frequently as an off-guard during their shared season with Marinerong Pilipino in 2022. He now sees his former teammate moving toward point-guard responsibilities while also earning opportunities within the Gilas Pilipinas program.
“Throughout the years, I’ve seen his growth,” Gomez de Liano reflected.
“We were teammates during my stint in the PBA D-League, with Marinerong Pilipino.”
“He was more like an off-guard. But now, he’s transitioning into, like, a point guard. And he’s also part of the national team,” Gomez de Liano added.
Former Marinero Guards Anticipate More PBA Battles
Nocum also recognized Gomez de Liano’s development since their Marinero stint, describing significant improvement from an already accomplished former teammate. Gomez de Liano’s subsequent career included additional overseas experience before the guards eventually reunited as opponents during the PBA quarterfinals.
Their mutual respect now accompanies an increasingly competitive matchup between two guards carrying larger responsibilities than during their shared D-League season. Gomez de Liano expects their meetings to remain challenging as both continue establishing themselves with their respective PBA teams.
Nocum and Gomez de Liano Praise Each Other’s Development
Nocum remembered Gomez de Liano as an established talent at Marinero while recognizing further improvement in his former teammate’s game. Gomez de Liano similarly praised Nocum’s competitiveness and work ethic while anticipating more difficult matchups between them in future seasons.
“Mas ano na si Juan ngayon eh… Nung naging teammate ko siya sa Marinero, magaling naman na siya nun. Pero ngayon, mas grabe ‘yung improvement niya,” said Nocum.
“Just to see his growth and his competitiveness within him, very happy for the kid. He loves to stay in the gym, sobrang sipag din niya,” Gomez de Liano said.
“Para sa akin, it’s gonna be an exciting match-up,” the 2026 second overall pick added.
“Throughout the years, he’s gonna be a tough, good matchup.”
Analytical Breakdown: Nocum and Gomez de Liano Evolve
Nocum’s 18 assists demonstrate significant development, showing he can organize possessions while maintaining enough scoring pressure to challenge defenses. Familiarity adds another dimension because former teammates can anticipate tendencies, forcing both guards to adjust beyond their established attacking patterns. Nocum and Gomez de Liano could develop a compelling rivalry as both continue expanding their playmaking responsibilities and offensive versatility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many assists did Adrian Nocum record against Converge?
Nocum recorded 18 assists alongside 22 points, establishing a new single-game assist record for the Rain or Shine franchise.
When were Nocum and Gomez de Liano teammates?
Nocum and Gomez de Liano played together for Marinerong Pilipino during the 2022 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup.
How did Juan Gomez de Liano perform in Game 2?
Gomez de Liano recorded 20 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists during Converge’s 130-125 victory over Rain or Shine.
Who last recorded a comparable 18-assist PBA performance?
Mike Cortez recorded 18 assists for Air21 against TNT on December 13, 2012, nearly 14 years before Nocum.
Has Adrian Nocum played for Gilas Pilipinas?
Yes, Nocum earned selection for Gilas Pilipinas after developing into a larger backcourt role with Rain or Shine.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from SPIN.ph.
