Carl Tamayo out, Justin Arana in for Gilas Pilipinas vs Iran

Gilas Pilipinas’ Carl Tamayo during a game vs Jordan in the Fiba World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net

SCHEDULE: Gilas Pilipinas at Fiba Asian Qualifiers Window 4

MANILA, Philippines–Carl Tamayo is out for Sunday’s Fiba World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers game against Iran due to a sprained ankle he sustained during Gilas Pilipinas’ overtime win over Jordan.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas made the announcement late Saturday, with coach Tim Cone to replace Tamayo with Justin Arana, the newest member of the Gilas pool.

It appears that Gilas deemed Tamayo’s ankle too swollen for him to play in the crucial fixture at Mall of Asia Arena.

Tamayo rolled his ankle during the third quarter of the contest on Friday, resulting in a bad fall. The Korean Basketball League mainstay was able to walk back under his own power.

However, Tamayo spent the rest of the game on the bench as Gilas went on to take an 82-81 victory after a five-minute overtime period.

Justin Arana could make his debut for GIlas Pilipinas vs Iran. –FIBA PHOTO

His absence has paved the way for Arana to possibly make his national team debut. The Converge star was recently added to the pool, presumably after a splendid campaign for the FiberXers in the PBA Governors’ Cup.

Cone opted for Arana over RJ Abarrientos, who is also part of the pool for the fourth window.

Under Fiba rules, teams can replace players on their roster, provided they can only get replacements who are listed in their pool of players for the window.