Justin Arana replaces injured Carl Tamayo in Gilas Pilipinas lineup vs. Iran in FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers

Justin Arana is set to make his Gilas Pilipinas debut after being named into the national team's roster for its game against Iran on Sunday in the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

The 27-year-old, 6-foot-7 big man was initially called up to join Gilas’ pool for the window but was left out of the final lineup for the first game against Jordan. He will now make his maiden appearance in a FIBA tournament, replacing Carl Tamayo in the roster.

Tamayo was a key cog in Gilas' 82-81 comeback overtime win against Jordan last Friday, but prematurely left the game after twisting his left ankle early in the third period.

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone said Tamayo suffered a sprained ankle and is unable to do much beyond walking, forcing the coaching staff to bring in Arana to complete the 12-man lineup against a formidable Iranian side.

Arana will join his Converge teammates Juan Gomez de Liaño and Justine Baltazar and is set to reinforce an already-promising frontcourt led by Kai Sotto, AJ Edu, and June Mar Fajardo.

Completing the roster are CJ Perez, Scottie Thompson, Chris Newsome, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, and Troy Rosario.

"This is big for me, siyempre. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so my mindset is always ready lang," Arana, the 2023 PBA Rookie of the Year, said during the pre-tournament press conference.

"Excited and ibibigay ko lang 'yung best. Kung ano 'yung ibigay sa akin na role, ibibigay ko lang 'yung best ko."

—JKC, GMA News