FOURTH overall selection Justin Arana is thrilled to be part of Converge's pioneering batch as the franchise tries to establish a path of excellence in its PBA journey.
Arana, the rebounding machine from Arellano U, was picked fourth overall in the PBA Rookie Draft last Sunday by the FiberXers, intending to make him a vital cog in their frontline alongside former Alaska bigs Abu Tratter and Ben Adamos and No. 3 pick Jeo Ambohot.
"Sobrang saya ko na maging part ng Converge. Ito ang pinakabagong team. Gagawin ko talaga ang best ko para maka-contribute sa team sa parating na season," said the 6-foot-7 Arana.
Arana is coming off a stellar stint in the NCAA, where hauled down a single-game high of 29 rebounds and boasted of brilliant averages of 15 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks. Hopes are high he will develop further into an elite big man in the pro league.
Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes himself noticed the vast potential of the pride of Basud, Camarines Norte that he named him and three other draftees into the national team pool.
Sponsored content:
"Hindi ko talaga in-expect yung Gilas pero sobrang excited ako at syempre, isang malaking karangalan na mapasama sa Gilas pool and if ever, kung papalarin, makapag-represent ng Pilipinas," he said. "Sobrang laking tulong yan para sa akin. Gusto ko ring mag-represent ng Pilipinas."
Arana was among 52 aspirants picked during the draft, which marked the first face-to-face proceeding since 2019.
"Halos lahat ito ang goal, ito ang pangarap kaya sobrang nagpapasalamat ako na na-select ako," said the marquee big man, who was immediately called to the Converge practice the very next day. (OL)
