IF Justin Arana absorbed a lot being coached by PBA great Danny Ildefonso, the rookie big man also learned a thing or two by going up against veteran Beau Belga.
The Converge center found himself in a tough match up against the 35-year-old Belga in the FiberXers latest outing in the PBA Commissioner's Cup against Rain or Shine.
Arana admitted getting banged up by the burly Elasto Painter underneath, making life difficult for the former Arellano University standout for the duration of the 48-minute game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
But he doesn't mind the physicality, knowing it will make him a better player.
"Bump, bump lang, normal lang naman," he said when asked how it was going up against the 6-foot-5 Belga just for the second time in his pro career.
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"Natsa-challenge din ako kasi siyempre Beau Belga yun. Kaya natsa-challenge ako na bantayan (siya) talaga."
Arana obviously, had the last laugh as he scored the game winner on a fancy move inside as the FiberXers completed their comeback from 17-points down to stretch their winning streak to seven games, 102-101, and clinch a playoffs spot.
The no. 4 overall pick in the last draft, Arana finished with 17 points and seven rebounds in another impressive showing for the 6-foot-6 prot?g? of Ildefonso, now serving as one of deputies of Converge head coach Aldin Ayo.
Yet, he's grateful as well for Belga in bringing the best out of him.
"Kailangan kong ma-adopt yung physicality sa PBA para tumagal din ako," Arana said. "Siyempre para sa akin din naman yun, kaya tinanggap ko rin (physical plays)." (RG)
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