Justin Arana Explained

Justin Arana
Position:Center
Number:15
Team:Converge FiberXers
League:PBA
Nationality:Filipino
Birth Date:21 March 1999
Birth Place:Daet, Camarines Norte, Philippines
Height Ft:6
Height In:7
Weight Lbs:231
College:UST (2015–2017)
Arellano (2019–2022)
Draft Year Pba:2022
Draft Round Pba:1
Draft Pick Pba:4
Draft Team Pba:Converge FiberXers
Career Start:2022
Years1:2022–present
Team1:Converge FiberXers
Highlights:
High School:Basud National High School (Basud, Camarines Norte)

Justin Arana (born March 21, 1999) is a Filipino professional basketball player for the Converge FiberXers of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). After overcoming a heart condition while with the UST Growling Tigers, he went on to become a dominant college basketball player with the Arellano Chiefs.

Early life and high school career

Arana started playing basketball at a young age, learning to shoot with a ring attached to a mango tree built by his father. He then started playing in inter-barangay leagues.

By the time Arana was a first year high school student at Basud National High School, he was already 6'2".[1] He was recruited to join his high school varsity basketball team in his third year, and by that time had grown two more inches. A year later in 2015, he played in Bicol's Regional Meet and in the Palarong Pambansa, which helped him get noticed by big colleges and universities.[2] [3]

College career

UST Growling Tigers

Arana then joined the UST Growling Tigers. He made the team right away, but in his first two years, played few minutes. In his junior season, he was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse after he collapsed in an offseason tuneup game. As a result, he was limited to just five games that season. He left the team before the start of the UAAP Season 81 due to conflict with a team manager.[4] [5] He thought that his basketball career in the major college leagues was over and considered going back home to his province.

Arellano Chiefs

After Arana had left UST, he was recruited by one of his former assistant coaches at UST to join him and the Arellano Chiefs. He used his entire residency year to continue his recovery, undergoing weekly 2D echo tests and drinking maintenance medicine – all expenses the university shouldered.

NCAA Season 95: NCAA Rookie of the Year

Arellano started Season 95 with a record of 1–5, including a loss to the UPHSD Altas in which he had 20 points, 10 rebounds, and seven blocks.[6] The following game, he had a career-high 25 points on 9-of-12 shooting, but they still lost to the Benilde Blazers.[7] He was able to lead Arellano to an upset win over the Lyceum Pirates with 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting, with 11 rebounds and three blocks.[8] As a result, he was awarded Player of the Week.[9] In a loss to the San Beda Red Lions, he led the team with 23 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks.[10] Arellano then got a win over the Altas, in which he contributed 17 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks.[11] They got their fourth win of the season over Benilde, in which he had 13 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks before fouling out.[12] That would be their last win, as they finished with a record of 4–14 in last place.[13] He was awarded as the NCAA's Rookie of the Year along with a All-Defensive Team selection with averages of 13.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.8 blocks, and 1.4 assists.[14] He also played in the NCAA's All-Star Game, leading the losing team with 22 points and seven rebounds.[15]

NCAA Season 97: Final season

Arana was set to return for one more year for Season 96, turning down the opportunity to join the PBA Draft.[16] However, basketball was not part of Season 96's calendar due to COVID-19 protocols and his eligibility was transferred to the next season.[17] [18] He received interest from B.League teams during this time.

In Arellano's first game of Season 97, Arana had 16 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks, but couldn't finish the game due to an injury.[19] He was initially diagnosed with a partial ACL tear and ruled out for the season.[20] However, after getting another diagnosis, his ligament was revealed to still be intact, allowing him to return to playing.[21] He made his return in a loss to Benilde, putting up 14 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, and three blocks in limited minutes.[22] In a loss to UPHSD, he had 14 points, 12 rebounds, a steal, and two blocks.[23] Arellano finally ended its losing streak with him leading the way with 17 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks.[24] Halfway through the eliminations, he averaged 15.3 points, 13.3 rebounds (tied for first in the league), and a league-leading 3.8 blocks per game, making a case as the league's MVP.[25]

In a loss to Lyceum, Arana had a double-double performance of 17 points and 24 rebounds, adding to four blocks, an assist, and a steal, in a losing effort.[26] In a crucial win over the EAC Generals, he put up 21 points and 18 rebounds to go along with three assists and three blocks.[27] He then collected a career-high 29 rebounds alongside 18 points and two blocks while playing all 40 minutes and made two clutch free throws in a win over the JRU Heavy Bombers that secured them a spot in the play-in game.[28] His 29 rebounds were just one short of the record for most rebounds grabbed in a single NCAA game, which was set in 2015 by Allwell Oraeme.[29] In the play-in game, the Chiefs were defeated by the Altas and their hopes for making the Final Four were ended.[30] With their early exit, he was no longer in contention for MVP, as they were only awarded to those who led their team to the Final Four. He was still able to win Defensive Player of the Year, and claimed spots on the NCAA's Mythical and All-Defensive Teams.[31] In his final season, he averaged 14.8 points, 17.1 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks in nine games.[32] He then declared for the 2022 PBA draft, ending speculations that he would join a B.League team.[33]

Professional career

Converge FiberXers (2022–present)

2022–23 season: Rookie season

Arana was selected 4th overall pick by the Converge FiberXers in the 2022 PBA draft.[34] In his PBA debut during the Philippine Cup, he had six points, nine rebounds, three blocks, a steal, and an assist in 27 minutes of a loss to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.[35] He then got a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds in a win over the Terrafirma Dyip.[36] In a game against the Blackwater Bossing, he was underperforming as he just had four points on 1-of-5 shooting by the end of the third quarter.[37] Still, he played in the fourth quarter and made clutch baskets and a crucial block on Jvee Casio to give Converge the win, finishing with 13 points and five rebounds.[38]

In Converge's first game of the Commissioner's Cup, Arana contributed 13 points and seven rebounds to give their new head coach Aldin Ayo his first win in the PBA.[39] He then put up 14 points along with nine boards, three handouts and a steal in a loss to the Magnolia Hotshots.[40] In a win over the TNT Tropang Giga, he had a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds.[41] That conference, Converge won seven straight games to get into the playoffs, with their last win coming from against Rain or Shine in which he had 16 points, seven rebounds, and the game-winning shot.[42] However, they lost their last two games to drop to 5th place in the standings, although he was able to put up a PBA career-high 23 points in their last game of the Commissioner's Cup.[43] In the playoffs, they were eliminated by the San Miguel Beermen.[44]

In another win over Terrafirma during the Governors' Cup, Arana finished with 15 points and six rebounds.[45] They won their first four games of the conference, including a win over Rain or Shine in which he had 21 points and eight rebounds.[46] Their win streak was ended by the Tropang Giga.[47] Against the Beermen, although he only had nine points and eight rebounds, he limited the Beermen's June Mar Fajardo to just seven points and 10 rebounds as Converge gave them their first loss of the conference.[48] He was then one of the first picks for the Rookie/Sophomore/Juniors game of that year's All-Star Weekend.[49] In that game, he contributed 23 points for the winning team.[50] Although Converge made the playoffs once again, they were eliminated once again by San Miguel.[51]

PBA career statistics

As of the end of 2023–24 season[52]

Season-by-season averages

|-| align=left| | align=left| Converge| 37 || 24.6 || .535 || || .644 || 7.5 || 1.1 || .4 || 1.2 || 9.9|-| align=left| | align=left| Converge| 22 || 28.8 || .595 || || .643 || 7.0 || 1.7 || .2 || .8 || 17.0|-class=sortbottom| align=center colspan=2 | Career| 59 || 26.2 || .563 || || .644 || 7.3 || 1.4 || .4 || 1.0 || 12.5

UAAP

[53]

YearTeamGPMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
2015–16UST21.2.000.000.000.0.0.0.0.0
2016–17UST87.1.308.000.5001.3.3.1.01.5
2017–18UST68.6.389.000.5713.5.3.2.23.7
Career166.9.355.000.5451.9.3.1.12.1

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Sacamos . Karlo . November 21, 2022 . How Justin Arana overcame a heart scare to become PBA rising star . September 15, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
  2. Web site: August 5, 2022 . Basudeñong PBA Rookie na si Justin Arana ginawaran ng pagkilala ng LGU Basud . September 15, 2023 . Brigada News.
  3. Web site: Varsitarian . The . September 25, 2015 . 7 rookies add new energy to Tigers lineup . September 15, 2023 . en-US.
  4. Web site: Li . Matthew . May 21, 2018 . Total rebuild for Growling Tigers . September 15, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  5. Web site: Abad . Ysa . September 16, 2021 . Will it be Japan opportunity or Arellano loyalty for Justin Arana? . September 16, 2023 . RAPPLER . en-US.
  6. Web site: Li . Matthew . July 30, 2019 . Charcos floater, Aurin swat arrest Perpetual skid at Arellano's expense . September 15, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  7. Web site: Li . Matthew . August 13, 2019 . Gutang returns as Saint Benilde survives late Arellano run to go to 5–0 . September 15, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  8. Web site: Li . Matthew . August 23, 2019 . Justin Arana lifts Arellano Chiefs to massive upset of Lyceum . September 15, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  9. Web site: Times . Tiebreaker . August 25, 2019 . Chooks-to-Go/Collegiate PC POW Justin Arana proving that he belongs . September 15, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  10. Web site: Li . Matthew . September 13, 2019 . Tankoua makes sure San Beda survives Arellano scare, leads Red Lions to 11–0 . September 15, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  11. Web site: Li . Matthew . September 19, 2019 . Kent Salado finds old form vs Perpetual as Arellano arrests skid . September 15, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  12. Web site: Li . Matthew . September 27, 2019 . Arellano Chiefs score upset as Benilde Blazers meltdown continues . September 15, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  13. Web site: Li . Matthew . October 18, 2019 . Ry Dela Rosa, JRU spoil Kent Salado's Arellano sendoff . September 15, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  14. Web site: November 10, 2019 . San Beda's Oftana to win NCAA MVP plum . September 15, 2023 . ESPN.com . en.
  15. Web site: Li . Matthew . November 26, 2019 . Balanza, Ilagan lead Team Saints comeback vs Heroes in NCAA All-Star Game . September 15, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  16. Web site: Leongson . Randolph B. . December 21, 2020 . Justin Arana skips PBA draft, stays in Arellano . September 16, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
  17. Web site: Lozada . Bong . June 11, 2021 . No contact sports for NCAA Season 96 . September 16, 2023 . INQUIRER.net . en.
  18. Web site: Bacnis . Justine . March 23, 2021 . Playing years won't be affected by digital NCAA Season 96, says Fr. Calvo . September 16, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  19. Web site: Leongson . Randolph B. . March 27, 2022 . Arellano wins over San Sebastian but loses Justin Arana to injury . September 16, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
  20. Web site: Li . Matthew . March 27, 2022 . Justin Arana diagnosed with partial ACL tear . September 16, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  21. Web site: Li . Matthew . March 30, 2022 . Justin Arana receives good news after second opinion: No tear in ACL . September 16, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  22. Web site: Valderrama . Aeron Paul . April 2, 2022 . NCAA 97: Gozum, St. Benilde spoil Arana's Arellano return for second win . September 16, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  23. Web site: Valderrama . Aeron Paul . April 6, 2022 . NCAA 97: Egan, Perpetual torch Arellano for bounce back win . September 16, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  24. Web site: Leongson . Randolph B. . April 10, 2022 . Justin Arana shows way as Arellano downs Mapua to end three-game skid . September 16, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
  25. Web site: Leongson . Randolph B. . April 17, 2022 . Abando leads NCAA scoring halfway through elims. Can he become rookie MVP? . September 16, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
  26. Web site: Valderrama . Aeron Paul . April 22, 2022 . NCAA 97: Renzo Navarro takes over as Lyceum snaps skid at Arellano's expense . September 16, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  27. Web site: Micaller . Bea . April 24, 2022 . Coach Cholo Martin all praises for Arellano trio of Arana-Sablan-Sta. Ana in crucial win NCAA Philippines . September 16, 2023 . www.gmanetwork.com . en.
  28. Web site: Justin Arana hauls down 29 rebounds as Arellano clinches play-in spot . September 16, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
  29. Web site: Leongson . Randolph B. . April 27, 2022 . Arana misses out on record 30th rebound, but glad to keep Arellano alive . September 16, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
  30. Web site: Times . Tiebreaker . May 1, 2022 . NCAA 97: Perpetual ends Arellano's Final Four hopes, Arana's MVP dream . September 16, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  31. Web site: Letran's Rhenz Abando named MVP, ROY of NCAA Season 97; Arana, Ambohot, Calma, Gozum in Mythical Five NCAA Philippines . September 16, 2023 . www.gmanetwork.com . en.
  32. Web site: Dioquino . Delfin . May 1, 2022 . Justin Arana turns focus on PBA Draft after playing final NCAA game . September 16, 2023 . RAPPLER . en-US.
  33. Web site: Li . Matthew . May 7, 2022 . Big boys Arana, Calma, Ambohot enter PBA Draft . September 16, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  34. Web site: Ambohot-Arana Twin Tower the groundwork for Converge . May 16, 2022. March 11, 2023 . pba.ph . en.
  35. Web site: Bacnis . Justine . June 5, 2022 . Belga gives high praise to Arana: 'He's a smaller version of June Mar' . September 20, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  36. Web site: Bacnis . Justine . June 22, 2022 . PBA: Ahanmisi, Murrell, Digregorio deliver as Converge avoids disaster vs Terrafirma . September 20, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  37. Web site: Valencia . Justin . July 20, 2022 . Justin Arana repays Allyn Bulanadi's trust with game-winner . September 20, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  38. Web site: MICALLER . BEA . July 20, 2022 . Clutch Justin Arana lifts Converge past skidding Blackwater . September 20, 2023 . GMA News Online . en.
  39. Web site: Bacnis . Justine . September 23, 2022 . PBA: Converge ushers 'Mayhem' era with statement win over Terrafirma . September 20, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  40. Web site: Villanueva . Eros . October 1, 2022 . PBA: Rakocevic, Magnolia storm back from 14 down, stop Converge . September 20, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  41. Web site: Times . Tiebreaker . October 28, 2022 . PBA: Hot-shooting Converge drains 21 treys, guns down TNT . September 20, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  42. Web site: Bacnis . Justine . November 13, 2022 . PBA: Arana, Converge storm back from 17 down, continue Rain or Shine's woes . September 20, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  43. Web site: Bacnis . Justine . November 30, 2022 . PBA: Ginebra schools Converge, stays in top two hunt . September 20, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  44. Web site: Dalupang . Denison Rey A. . December 12, 2022 . PBA: San Miguel downs Converge, advances to semis vs Bay Area . September 20, 2023 . INQUIRER.net . en.
  45. Web site: Bacnis . Justine . January 26, 2023 . PBA: Franklin impresses in debut as Converge turns back Terrafirma for win no. 2 . September 20, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  46. Web site: Bacnis . Justine . February 2, 2023 . PBA: Franklin dazzles with triple-double as Converge crushes Rain or Shine . September 20, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  47. Web site: Bacnis . Justine . February 8, 2023 . PBA: Hudson drops 56 as TNT deals Converge first loss . September 20, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  48. Web site: Ramos . Gerry . February 11, 2023 . Converge game plan aimed at getting June Mar out of the way, says Arana . September 20, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
  49. Web site: Ramos . Gerry . February 20, 2023 . Brandon Rosser, Justin Arana top picks in PBA All-Star RSJ match . September 20, 2023 . Spin.ph . en.
  50. Web site: Bacnis . Justine . March 10, 2023 . PBA: Adrian Wong-led Greats romp Encho Serrano's Stalwarts in RSJ game . September 20, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  51. Web site: Bacnis . Justine . March 19, 2023 . PBA: Clark drops 40 as SMB sends Vodanovich, Converge packing . September 20, 2023 . Tiebreaker Times . en-US.
  52. Web site: Justin Arana Player Profile, Converge Fiber Xers - RealGM . basketball.realgm.com.
  53. Web site: Justin Arana – Career Stats – Humblebola . https://web.archive.org/web/20181015030818/http://stats.humblebola.com/uaap/players/906-Arana-Justin . October 15, 2018 . September 15, 2023.