CONVERGE FiberXers big man Justin Arana has joined Gilas Pilipinas’ training camp as the national team stepped up its preparations for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers later this month.
Arana was among the players who took part in Gilas’ practice, marking his first stint with the senior national team.
“We’re 15 in practice, including Justin Arana,” Gilas head coach Tim Cone told Fastbreak via a Viber message on Monday night.
The 6-foot-5 forward-center joins a crowded group of big men competing for spots in the lineup for the crucial qualifying window.
Also in the Gilas pool are Arana’s Converge teammate Justine Baltazar, veteran June Mar Fajardo, Jeth Troy Rosario, AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo and Kai Sotto.
Sotto has also returned to practice after making time from his other commitments to represent the Philippines in the upcoming games.
Arana’s inclusion adds another young and physical option to Gilas’ frontcourt as Cone continues to evaluate his personnel ahead of the qualifiers.
The Converge big man has emerged as one of the key interior players for the FiberXers in the PBA and will now get an opportunity to work alongside some of the country’s most established big men.
Gilas is preparing for a crucial qualifying window against Jordan and Iran, with the results expected to have a major impact on the Philippines’ bid to reach the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
With Sotto and Arana joining the training pool, Cone has more options to consider as the national team works through its preparations for the important games. (Adrian Co)
