Javi Gomez de Liaño's decision to play out his final year in the UAAP stems from a strong desire to help the University of the Philippines take home its first men's basketball title since 1986.
The 22-year-old forward passed up the opportunity to make the jump to the PBA by expressing his intention to suit up once more for UP in Season 84.
"It's just a personal goal of mine to win a championship for UP before I leave," he said.
Javi, along with his brother Juan, announced February last year that they would skip the Fighting Maroons' Season 83 campaign in favor of prioritizing personal growth.
With the UAAP deciding to cancel this season due to the coronavirus pandemic, it appears UP won't actually miss its star forward for long.
During his time away from the Fighting Maroons, Gomez de Liaño signed with Nueva Ecija in the MPBL and saw action for the young Gilas Pilipinas squad that saw action in the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers in Bahrain last November.
Gomez de Liaño was sharp in both games played by the national team, averaging 14.0 points on 78.6 percent shooting and 2.5 rebounds in 16.7 minutes of action during the two-game sweep of Thailand.
Javi also drew another invite from Gilas as the national team continues to gather names willing to contend for roster spots in the third and final window of the qualifiers next month. He is currently training with the rest of the pool in a bubble in Calamba, Laguna.
Once he returns from Gilas duties, Gomez de Liaño is bent on showcasing the growth in his game, both from a physical and mental standpoint.
"I improved a lot, especially in the mental aspect. And I'm also transitioning my game from forward to guard," he said. "I gained a lot of experience playing for the national team, which surely elevated my game. I can bring that leadership and experience to UP."
"I can show how I really play and maximize my full potential in my last playing year," added Javi.
UP head coach Bo Perasol is also elated to have Javi back on board for another title quest in the coming season.
"Javi's commitment to play out his senior year with us is not just good for our program but to the whole community as well," said Perasol. "There's no doubt that after his stint with the Gilas national team, his contributions will be very valuable to our quest to finally win the crown."
On the other hand, there is still no clarity in terms of the eligibility and return of Javi's brother Juan in Season 84.
The younger Gomez de Liaño might have lost his UAAP eligibility after playing for Nueva Ecija in the 2020 Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 President's Cup last October.
Juan played in the pro league with a guest license handed by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), but the UAAP said it still has final say on whether or not it recognizes such permits.
Although the UAAP has yet to make a decision on Juan's case, Perasol said the Season 80 Rookie of the Year has yet to communicate whether or not he actually wants to play for UP again next season.
"Juan's eligibility will depend on the Board's decision. However, Juan still has to express his desire to play again for the school," Perasol said Monday.