ANTIPOLO — Gilas Pilipinas Men is adding another talent to its compact pool by calling up Justin Arana in anticipation of a busy summer schedule ahead.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) officials have already reached out to the Converge star and asked for documents, particularly a copy of his Philippine passport, as part of their plans to include the big man in the program.
With this, he’s become the latest addition to Coach Tim Cone’s squad after his FiberXers teammates Juan Gomez de Liano and Justine Baltazar.
Formerly key cogs of Tab Baldwin’s era, the two have rejoined the national team back in Window 2 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.
This, though, won’t be the first time Arana gets involved with Gilas. He was among Chot Reyes’ picks from the 2022 PBA Draft to become part of the pool, along with Gian Mamuyac, Shaun Ildefonso, and Javi Gomez de Liano.
(C) PBA Images
Nearly four years later, the Arellano product is set to finally work with the national team, where he will serve as an additional piece in a frontcourt still adjusting after Japeth Aguilar retired from international basketball.
Arana’s call-up comes months before the third window of the World Cup Qualifiers, scheduled from June 29 to July 6.
However, his stint may not be limited to just that window, as Gilas prepares for a busy stretch that includes participation in three major tournaments.
After Window 3, the second round of the World Cup Qualifiers begins in late August, followed by the 20th Asian Games from September 19 to October 4 in Japan.
With Arana in tow, Cone gains another reliable big man in a frontcourt that already features Kai Sotto, AJ Edu, Quentin Millora-Brown, and June Mar Fajardo.
It would also be a significant boost should Bennie Boatwright’s naturalization process progress smoothly, making him eligible to suit up for Gilas sooner.
