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| Justin Arana finally makes the national team four years after he was put in a Gilas draft clause. Peter Baltazar (file photo) |
MANILA—Just in: Justin Arana is in.
The Converge center is set to make his Gilas Pilipinas debut as he takes over the spot vacated by the injured Carl Tamayo when the national team battles Iran on Sunday night in the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Playing against a team well known for its size, even if legend Hamed Haddadi has long been retired from the game, Gilas opted to match Iran's ceiling by activating the burly six-foot-seven Arana over RJ Abarrientos as Tamayo is recovering from an ankle sprain.
With Juan Gomez De Liaño and Balti Baltazar still activated, the FiberXers have three representatives to Gilas on Sunday night.
Arana's Gilas Final 12 call-up was four years in the making.
Chosen fourth overall in the 2022 PBA Draft, the former Pasig City big man was picked by then Gilas head coach Chot Reyes to join the national team pool.
However, making the final roster for any Gilas event has never materialized until now.
"This is big for me. Syempre, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me, so my mindset is always ready lang," Arana said.
Two nights after stunning Jordan on a Kevin Quiambao game-winner and Kai Sotto game-saving block, Gilas looks to build a much-needed winning streak to keep its FIBA World Cup qualification bid alive against Iran.
The Iranians came from a tough loss to New Zealand that eventually forced a three-way tie with Jordan for second place in Group E at 5-2.
A home win will draw Gilas to within one game of Iran in the race for fourth place in the said group, which could mean a World Cup spot if Qatar, the host of next year's event, stays within the Top 4 in Group F.
Gilas, however, will also prefer an Australia win against Jordan earlier on Sunday at the MOA Arena to have a better chance at qualifying.
While it is going to be tough on paper, a Syria upset against New Zealand may favor Gilas too.
