JUSTIN Arana was inserted into the Gilas Pilipinas lineup for its FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers game against Iran on Sunday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas confirmed Arana’s inclusion in lieu of injured forward Carl Tamayo, marking the Converge FiberXers center’s debut for the national men’s team.
Tamayo had been part of the Philippines’ roster in the fourth window but left in the third quarter of their 82-81 overtime victory over Jordan after suffering an ankle injury.
His absence prompted head coach Tim Cone to turn to Arana, who joined a Gilas frontline that includes June Mar Fajardo, AJ Edu, Kai Sotto and Justine Baltazar.
Arana’s debut comes as Gilas looks to build on its dramatic victory over Jordan and improve its standing in the second round of the Asian Qualifiers.
Also part of the roster are Earl Scottie Thompson, Jaymar Perez, Dwight Ramos, Kevin Quiambao, Chris Newsome, Jeth Troy Rosario and Juan Gomez de Liaño. (Adrian Co)
