Justin Arana is finally getting his chance to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas, and the Converge big man feels grateful to have familiar faces around him as he begins learning head coach Tim Cone’s system.
Arana earned his first call-up to the national team pool for the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers’ fourth window, joining fellow Converge teammates Juan Gomez de Liaño and Justine Baltazar as the FiberXers make a strong representation in the Nationals’ lineup.
The 6-foot-7 center has been putting together a strong campaign in the ongoing 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup, averaging 21.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Now, he has the opportunity to bring that production to the international stage, should he make the final roster.
For Arana, the call-up is a dream come true, but he knows there is plenty to learn, particularly with Cone’s system.
“Hindi ko talaga agad makukuha in one day ‘yung system, kaya tinutulungan naman nila ako, it’s a great experience for me,” he said.
Fortunately for Arana, he has Gomez de Liaño and Baltazar to lean on during his adjustment period, with the two Converge teammates helping him understand the system and what is expected of him in Gilas practices.
“Excited and ibibigay ko ‘yung best ko, siyempre. And kung ano ‘yung ibigay sa akin na role, talagang tatanggapin ko 100-percent din,” the former PBA Rookie of the Year added.
Gomez de Liaño — who has been part of the Gilas program and is averaging 10 points across his four appearances in the qualifiers — said representing the country alongside his Converge teammates is something they will cherish.
“It definitely means a lot to us; it’s something that the organization of Converge should be proud of. Justin, Balti, and I, we won’t take this for granted. Not everyone gets a chance to represent the country,” said Gomez de Liaño.
Baltazar, meanwhile, has appeared in just one game in the qualifiers, playing only five minutes. Despite his limited playing time, he remains ready to contribute in whatever role Cone gives him, especially with the depth of the current Gilas frontcourt.
He, too, is happy to have his Converge teammates beside him as they reunite on the national team.
“Sobrang saya lang, dahil ‘di na kami mangangapa. Alam na namin ‘yung laro ng isa’t isa, so sobrang saya na kasama ko si Justin tsaka si Juan,” Baltazar added.
While Cone has yet to finalize the roster for the upcoming games, Arana is already treating the opportunity as one he cannot take for granted.
“This is big for me; this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. My mindset is to be always ready lang,” said the former UST Growling Tiger.
With Arana, Gomez de Liaño, and Baltazar now sharing the Gilas court, the Converge trio hopes their familiarity with one another can help ease the adjustment while they chase the same goal: helping the Philippines move closer to the 2027 FIBA World Cup.
