JUSTIN Arana and RJ Abarrientos could be called upon to fill the void if Carl Tamayo is unable to recover in time for Gilas Pilipinas’ crucial game against Iran on Sunday.
Tamayo suffered a sprained ankle during the Philippines’ dramatic 82-81 overtime victory over Jordan, leaving his status for the next game uncertain.
Gilas head coach Tim Cone said Tamayo can still walk, but his ankle is swollen and will undergo treatment as the team monitors his condition.
“We’ll give him treatment tonight, and we’ll give him treatment tomorrow, and we’ll see how he is at that point,” Cone said.
With the possibility of Tamayo missing Sunday’s game, Cone revealed that Arana and Abarrientos are already available as potential replacements.
“In the meantime, we’ve still got RJ and Justin on the list, so one of those two guys could fill in for Carl if necessary,” Cone said.
“Hopefully, it won’t be necessary.”
Arana would provide Gilas with another physical option in the frontcourt, while Abarrientos could give the team added firepower and playmaking from the perimeter.
The Philippines will now wait on Tamayo’s recovery while preparing for Iran, hoping the injured forward can return after helping Gilas overcome an 18-point deficit against Jordan.
With the World Cup qualification race intensifying, however, Cone is already preparing for every possibility. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
