JUSTIN Arana may not have seen action in Gilas Pilipinas’ recent FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers win over Iran, but simply being part of the national team program has already given the rookie big man a taste of what awaits him on the international stage.
Arana was in uniform but did not get inserted during Gilas’ 68-56 victory over Iran, allowing him to experience the atmosphere from the bench as the Philippines completed a perfect two-game sweep of the fourth window.
“Siyempre, iba-iba iyung feeling dito. Ibang level talaga, talagang nakaka-excited din maglaro,” Arana said.
“Nakaka-proud din na mapapasama sa program na ’to.”
Now, Arana is set for an even bigger opportunity.
The 6-foot-7 big man is part of the Philippines’ Asian Games lineup and is expected to make his Gilas debut when the national team begins its gold-medal defense in Japan.
Arana admitted he is extremely grateful for the opportunity and is already eager to finally step onto the court wearing the national colors.
“Siyempre, sobrang thankful ako na makasama sa Asian Games,” he said.
“At siyempre, gagawin ko iyung trabaho ko, bibigay ko iyung 100 percent ko.”
The upcoming Asian Games will mark Arana’s first game as an official member of the Gilas Pilipinas squad, making the opportunity even more special for the young forward.
“Ito yung magiging first game ko as a part of Gilas. So, ayun, sobrang excited talaga,” Arana said.
Arana is part of the 11-man PBA lineup tasked with defending the Philippines’ gold medal in the Asian Games.
The Philippines opens its campaign against Bahrain on September 11, followed by Kazakhstan on September 12 and China on September 14.
For Arana, the wait is almost over. After watching Gilas from the sidelines, he will finally get his chance to contribute when the games begin in Japan. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
