Justin Arana eager to give his all for Gilas Pilipinas

Converge big man Justin Arana during a game against NLEX in the PBA Governors’ Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–As one of the best big men in the PBA, a national team call-up seemed like a matter of when and not if for Converge’s Justin Arana.

And now that he’s been added to the Gilas Pilipinas for a potential spot in the fourth window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers and beyond, Arana is relishing the experience.

“I’m excited,” Arana said in Filipino. “I’m going to give my best. I’m going to give my 100 percent in whatever role I’m given.”

READ: Justin Arana ‘staying ready’ for possible Gilas opportunity

Coach Tim Cone decided to add one piece to his shallow pool in the 6-foot-7 Arana.

Since entering the big league in 2022 out of Arellano University, Arana has been known for his ability on the post and sometimes on the perimeter while also providing size on the other end.

His arrival is timely, with June Mar Fajardo likely to play his final two games for Gilas in the home matches against Jordan on Friday and Iran on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Fajardo has said that it’s time for some of the young guys to take his role, and Arana could be one of the potential ones in order to add more frontcourt depth other than Kai Sotto, AJ Edu and Justine Baltazar.

“He has a lot of potential to be part of the national team,” Fajardo said of Arana.

Understandably, Arana is still in the adjustment phase.

“I still need to learn the system, the program one day at a time, because it won’t take overnight to get used to it,” he said. “But the guys have been helping me, and it’s really a great experience.”

Arana is among the 14 vying for a spot in the top 12 for the upcoming home games at Mall of Asia Arena, both crucial for Gilas’ bid to earn another World Cup appearance.

Gilas has been training since last week, and got a huge boost with the arrival of Sotto, who decided to make a return for the first time since November 2024.

A decision could come at press time on the 12 who will come out and try to hurdle the two Middle Eastern sides that both went 5-1 in the first round, well inside of the top four in Group E.