Justin Arana

{{Infobox basketball biography

| image =

| caption =

| name = Justin Arana

| position = Center

| number = 15

| team = Converge FiberXers

| league = PBA

| nationality = Filipino

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1999|3|21}}

| 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 =

PBA Rookie of the Year ({{pbay|2022|end}})
PBA Greats vs. Stalwarts Game MVP (2024)
NCAA Mythical Team (2021)
NCAA Defensive Player of the year (2021)
2× NCAA All-Defensive Team (2019, 2021)
NCAA Rookie of the Year (2019)

| 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.{{Citation |title=THE 6 FOOT 6 BICOLANO FREAK FROM CAMARINES NORTE – Justin Arana | date=May 19, 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Hp1CgwLpvg |access-date=September 15, 2023 |language=en}} 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".{{Cite web |last=Sacamos |first=Karlo |date=November 21, 2022 |title=How Justin Arana overcame a heart scare to become PBA rising star |url=https://www.spin.ph/life/people/justin-arana-profile-mitral-valve-prolapse-heart-disease-arellano-converge-a794-20221121-lfrm |access-date=September 15, 2023 |website=Spin.ph |language=en}} 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.{{Cite web |date=August 5, 2022 |title=Basudeñong PBA Rookie na si Justin Arana ginawaran ng pagkilala ng LGU Basud |url=https://brigadanews.ph/basudenong-pba-rookie-na-si-justin-arana-ginawaran-ng-pagkilala-ng-lgu-basud/ |access-date=September 15, 2023 |website=Brigada News}}{{Cite web |last=Varsitarian |first=The |date=September 25, 2015 |title=7 rookies add new energy to Tigers lineup |url=https://varsitarian.net/sports/sports/20150925/7_rookies_add_new_energy_to_tigers_lineup |access-date=September 15, 2023 |language=en-US}}

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.{{Cite web |last=Li |first=Matthew |date=May 21, 2018 |title=Total rebuild for Growling Tigers |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/total-rebuild-growling-tigers/116666 |access-date=September 15, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Abad |first=Ysa |date=September 16, 2021 |title=Will it be Japan opportunity or Arellano loyalty for Justin Arana? |url=https://www.rappler.com/sports/will-it-be-japan-b-league-arellano-chiefs-justin-arana/ |access-date=September 16, 2023 |website=RAPPLER |language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Li |first=Matthew |date=July 30, 2019 |title=Charcos floater, Aurin swat arrest Perpetual skid at Arellano's expense |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/charcos-floater-aurin-swat-arrest-perpetual-skid-arellanos-expense/155973 |access-date=September 15, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} The following game, he had a career-high 25 points on 9-of-12 shooting, but they still lost to the Benilde Blazers.{{Cite web |last=Li |first=Matthew |date=August 13, 2019 |title=Gutang returns as Saint Benilde survives late Arellano run to go to 5–0 |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/gutang-returns-saint-benilde-survives-late-arellano-run-go-5-0/156986 |access-date=September 15, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Li |first=Matthew |date=August 23, 2019 |title=Justin Arana lifts Arellano Chiefs to massive upset of Lyceum |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/justin-arana-lifts-arellano-chiefs-massive-upset-lyceum/157883 |access-date=September 15, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} As a result, he was awarded Player of the Week.{{Cite web |last=Times |first=Tiebreaker |date=August 25, 2019 |title=Chooks-to-Go/Collegiate PC POW Justin Arana proving that he belongs |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/chooks-go-collegiate-pc-pow-justin-arana-proving-belongs/158068 |access-date=September 15, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} In a loss to the San Beda Red Lions, he led the team with 23 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks.{{Cite web |last=Li |first=Matthew |date=September 13, 2019 |title=Tankoua makes sure San Beda survives Arellano scare, leads Red Lions to 11–0 |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/tankoua-makes-sure-san-beda-survives-arellano-scare-leads-red-lions-11-0/160017 |access-date=September 15, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} Arellano then got a win over the Altas, in which he contributed 17 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks.{{Cite web |last=Li |first=Matthew |date=September 19, 2019 |title=Kent Salado finds old form vs Perpetual as Arellano arrests skid |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/kent-salado-finds-old-form-vs-perpetual-arellano-arrests-skid/160754 |access-date=September 15, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} They got their fourth win of the season over Benilde, in which he had 13 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks before fouling out.{{Cite web |last=Li |first=Matthew |date=September 27, 2019 |title=Arellano Chiefs score upset as Benilde Blazers meltdown continues |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/arellano-chiefs-score-upset-benilde-blazers-meltdown-continue/161915 |access-date=September 15, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} That would be their last win, as they finished with a record of 4–14 in last place.{{Cite web |last=Li |first=Matthew |date=October 18, 2019 |title=Ry Dela Rosa, JRU spoil Kent Salado's Arellano sendoff |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/ry-dela-rosa-jru-spoil-kent-salados-arellano-sendoff/166162 |access-date=September 15, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |date=November 10, 2019 |title=San Beda's Oftana to win NCAA MVP plum |url=https://www.espn.ph/basketball/colleges/story/_/id/28045803/san-beda-oftana-win-ncaa-mvp-plum |access-date=September 15, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} He also played in the NCAA's All-Star Game, leading the losing team with 22 points and seven rebounds.{{Cite web |last=Li |first=Matthew |date=November 26, 2019 |title=Balanza, Ilagan lead Team Saints comeback vs Heroes in NCAA All-Star Game |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/balanza-ilagan-lead-team-saints-comeback-vs-heroes-ncaa-star-game/171481 |access-date=September 15, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}}

== 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.{{Cite web |last=Leongson |first=Randolph B. |date=December 21, 2020 |title=Justin Arana skips PBA draft, stays in Arellano |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/ncaa-men/ncaa-dpoy-justin-arana-skips-pba-draft-stays-in-arellano-a2437-20201221 |access-date=September 16, 2023 |website=Spin.ph |language=en}} However, basketball was not part of Season 96's calendar due to COVID-19 protocols and his eligibility was transferred to the next season.{{Cite web |last=Lozada |first=Bong |date=June 11, 2021 |title=No contact sports for NCAA Season 96 |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/425641/no-contact-sports-for-ncaa-season-96 |access-date=September 16, 2023 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=March 23, 2021 |title=Playing years won't be affected by digital NCAA Season 96, says Fr. Calvo |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/playing-years-wont-be-affected-by-digital-ncaa-season-96-says-fr-calvo/204195 |access-date=September 16, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Leongson |first=Randolph B. |date=March 27, 2022 |title=Arellano wins over San Sebastian but loses Justin Arana to injury |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/ncaa-men/arellano-wins-over-san-sebastian-but-loses-justin-arana-to-injury-a2437-20220327 |access-date=September 16, 2023 |website=Spin.ph |language=en}} He was initially diagnosed with a partial ACL tear and ruled out for the season.{{Cite web |last=Li |first=Matthew |date=March 27, 2022 |title=Justin Arana diagnosed with partial ACL tear |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/justin-arana-diagnosed-with-partial-acl-tear/235409 |access-date=September 16, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} However, after getting another diagnosis, his ligament was revealed to still be intact, allowing him to return to playing.{{Cite web |last=Li |first=Matthew |date=March 30, 2022 |title=Justin Arana receives good news after second opinion: No tear in ACL |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/justin-arana-receives-good-news-after-second-opinion-no-tear-in-acl/235641 |access-date=September 16, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} He made his return in a loss to Benilde, putting up 14 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, and three blocks in limited minutes.{{Cite web |last=Valderrama |first=Aeron Paul |date=April 2, 2022 |title=NCAA 97: Gozum, St. Benilde spoil Arana's Arellano return for second win |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/ncaa-97-gozum-st-benilde-spoils-aranas-arellano-return-for-second-win/235982 |access-date=September 16, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} In a loss to UPHSD, he had 14 points, 12 rebounds, a steal, and two blocks.{{Cite web |last=Valderrama |first=Aeron Paul |date=April 6, 2022 |title=NCAA 97: Egan, Perpetual torch Arellano for bounce back win |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/ncaa-97-egan-perpetual-torch-arellano-for-bounce-back-win/236500 |access-date=September 16, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} Arellano finally ended its losing streak with him leading the way with 17 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks.{{Cite web |last=Leongson |first=Randolph B. |date=April 10, 2022 |title=Justin Arana shows way as Arellano downs Mapua to end three-game skid |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/ncaa-men/justin-arana-shows-way-as-arellano-downs-mapua-to-end-three-game-skid-a2438-20220410 |access-date=September 16, 2023 |website=Spin.ph |language=en}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Leongson |first=Randolph B. |date=April 17, 2022 |title=Abando leads NCAA scoring halfway through elims. Can he become rookie MVP? |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/ncaa-men/abando-leads-ncaa-scoring-halfway-through-eliminations-a2437-20220417 |access-date=September 16, 2023 |website=Spin.ph |language=en}}

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.{{Cite web |last=Valderrama |first=Aeron Paul |date=April 22, 2022 |title=NCAA 97: Renzo Navarro takes over as Lyceum snaps skid at Arellano's expense |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/ncaa-97-renzo-navarro-takes-over-as-lyceum-snaps-skid-at-arelanos-expense/237863 |access-date=September 16, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Micaller |first=Bea |date=April 24, 2022 |title=Coach Cholo Martin all praises for Arellano trio of Arana-Sablan-Sta. Ana in crucial win {{!}} NCAA Philippines |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/ncaa/sports/basketball/829564/coach-cholo-martin-all-praises-for-arellano-trio-of-arana-sablan-sta-ana-in-crucial-win/story/ |access-date=September 16, 2023 |website=www.gmanetwork.com |language=en}} 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.{{Cite web |title=Justin Arana hauls down 29 rebounds as Arellano clinches play-in spot |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/ncaa-men/justin-arana-hauls-down-29-rebounds-as-arellano-clinch-play-in-spot-a2437-20220427 |access-date=September 16, 2023 |website=Spin.ph |language=en}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Leongson |first=Randolph B. |date=April 27, 2022 |title=Arana misses out on record 30th rebound, but glad to keep Arellano alive |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/ncaa-men/justin-arana-misses-out-on-30th-rebound-but-glad-to-keep-arellano-s-season-alive-a2437-20220427 |access-date=September 16, 2023 |website=Spin.ph |language=en}} In the play-in game, the Chiefs were defeated by the Altas and their hopes for making the Final Four were ended.{{Cite web |last=Times |first=Tiebreaker |date=May 1, 2022 |title=NCAA 97: Perpetual ends Arellano's Final Four hopes, Arana's MVP dream |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/ncaa-97-perpetual-ends-arellanos-final-four-hopes-aranas-mvp-dream/238766 |access-date=September 16, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |title=Letran's Rhenz Abando named MVP, ROY of NCAA Season 97; Arana, Ambohot, Calma, Gozum in Mythical Five {{!}} NCAA Philippines |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/ncaa/sports/basketball/832495/letran-s-rhenz-abando-named-mvp-roy-of-ncaa-season-97-arana-ambohot-calma-gozum-in-mythical-five/story/ |access-date=September 16, 2023 |website=www.gmanetwork.com |language=en}} In his final season, he averaged 14.8 points, 17.1 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks in nine games.{{Cite web |last=Dioquino |first=Delfin |date=May 1, 2022 |title=Justin Arana turns focus on PBA Draft after playing final NCAA game |url=https://www.rappler.com/sports/ncaa/justin-arana-turns-focus-on-pba-draft-after-playing-final-ncaa-game/ |access-date=September 16, 2023 |website=RAPPLER |language=en-US}} He then declared for the 2022 PBA draft, ending speculations that he would join a B.League team.{{Cite web |last=Li |first=Matthew |date=May 7, 2022 |title=Big boys Arana, Calma, Ambohot enter PBA Draft |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/big-boys-arana-calma-ambohot-declare-for-pba-draft/239158 |access-date=September 16, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}}

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.{{Cite web |title=Ambohot-Arana Twin Tower the groundwork for Converge |url=https://pba.ph/news/ambohot-arana-twin-tower-the-groundwork-for-converge |date=May 16, 2022|access-date=March 11, 2023 |website=pba.ph |language=en}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=June 5, 2022 |title=Belga gives high praise to Arana: 'He's a smaller version of June Mar' |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/belga-gives-high-praise-to-arana-hes-a-smaller-version-of-june-mar/241800 |access-date=September 20, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} He then got a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds in a win over the Terrafirma Dyip.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=June 22, 2022 |title=PBA: Ahanmisi, Murrell, Digregorio deliver as Converge avoids disaster vs Terrafirma |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-ahanmisi-murrell-digregorio-deliver-as-converge-avoids-disaster-vs-terrafirma/243433 |access-date=September 20, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Valencia |first=Justin |date=July 20, 2022 |title=Justin Arana repays Allyn Bulanadi's trust with game-winner |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/justin-arana-repays-allyn-bulanadis-trust-with-game-winner/245824 |access-date=September 20, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |last=MICALLER |first=BEA |date=July 20, 2022 |title=Clutch Justin Arana lifts Converge past skidding Blackwater |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/sports/basketball/838819/clutch-justin-arana-lifts-converge-past-skidding-blackwater/story/ |access-date=September 20, 2023 |website=GMA News Online |language=en}}

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.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=September 23, 2022 |title=PBA: Converge ushers 'Mayhem' era with statement win over Terrafirma |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-converge-ushers-mayhem-era-with-statement-win-over-terrafirma/250622 |access-date=September 20, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} He then put up 14 points along with nine boards, three handouts and a steal in a loss to the Magnolia Hotshots.{{Cite web |last=Villanueva |first=Eros |date=October 1, 2022 |title=PBA: Rakocevic, Magnolia storm back from 14 down, stop Converge |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-rakocevic-magnolia-storm-back-from-14-down-downs-converge/251266 |access-date=September 20, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} In a win over the TNT Tropang Giga, he had a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds.{{Cite web |last=Times |first=Tiebreaker |date=October 28, 2022 |title=PBA: Hot-shooting Converge drains 21 treys, guns down TNT |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-hot-shooting-converge-drains-21-treys-guns-down-tnt/253620 |access-date=September 20, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=November 13, 2022 |title=PBA: Arana, Converge storm back from 17 down, continue Rain or Shine's woes |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-arana-converge-storm-back-from-17-down-continue-rain-or-shines-woes/255210 |access-date=September 20, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=November 30, 2022 |title=PBA: Ginebra schools Converge, stays in top two hunt |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-ginebra-schools-converge-stays-in-top-two-hunt/256867 |access-date=September 20, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} In the playoffs, they were eliminated by the San Miguel Beermen.{{Cite web |last=Dalupang |first=Denison Rey A. |date=December 12, 2022 |title=PBA: San Miguel downs Converge, advances to semis vs Bay Area |url=https://sports.inquirer.net/489533/pba-san-miguel-downs-converge-advances-to-semis-vs-bay-area |access-date=September 20, 2023 |website=INQUIRER.net |language=en}}

In another win over Terrafirma during the Governors' Cup, Arana finished with 15 points and six rebounds.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=January 26, 2023 |title=PBA: Franklin impresses in debut as Converge turns back Terrafirma for win no. 2 |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-franklin-impressed-in-debut-as-converge-turns-back-terra-firma-for-win-no-2/260460 |access-date=September 20, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=February 2, 2023 |title=PBA: Franklin dazzles with triple-double as Converge crushes Rain or Shine |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-franklin-dazzles-with-triple-double-as-converge-crushes-rain-or-shine/260976 |access-date=September 20, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} Their win streak was ended by the Tropang Giga.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=February 8, 2023 |title=PBA: Hudson drops 56 as TNT deals Converge first loss |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-hudson-drops-56-as-tnt-deals-converge-first-loss/261421 |access-date=September 20, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Ramos |first=Gerry |date=February 11, 2023 |title=Converge game plan aimed at getting June Mar out of the way, says Arana |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/converge-game-plan-aimed-targeted-june-mar-fajardo-arana-a793-20230211 |access-date=September 20, 2023 |website=Spin.ph |language=en}} He was then one of the first picks for the Rookie/Sophomore/Juniors game of that year's All-Star Weekend.{{Cite web |last=Ramos |first=Gerry |date=February 20, 2023 |title=Brandon Rosser, Justin Arana top picks in PBA All-Star RSJ match |url=https://www.spin.ph/basketball/pba/brandon-rosser-justin-arana-top-picks-in-pba-all-star-rsj-a793-20230220 |access-date=September 20, 2023 |website=Spin.ph |language=en}} In that game, he contributed 23 points for the winning team.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=March 10, 2023 |title=PBA: Adrian Wong-led Greats romp Encho Serrano's Stalwarts in RSJ game |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-adrian-wong-led-greats-romp-tios-stalwarts-in-rsj-game/265296 |access-date=September 20, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}} Although Converge made the playoffs once again, they were eliminated once again by San Miguel.{{Cite web |last=Bacnis |first=Justine |date=March 19, 2023 |title=PBA: Clark drops 40 as SMB sends Vodanovich, Converge packing |url=https://tiebreakertimes.com.ph/tbt/pba-clark-drops-40-as-smb-sends-vodanovich-converge-packing/266667 |access-date=September 20, 2023 |website=Tiebreaker Times |language=en-US}}

Career statistics

As of the end of 2023–24 season{{Cite web |title=Justin Arana Player Profile, Converge Fiber Xers - RealGM |url=https://basketball.realgm.com/player/Justin-Arana/Summary/199404 |website=basketball.realgm.com}}

= PBA season-by-season averages=

| align=left| {{pbay|2022}}

| align=left| Converge

| 37 || 24.6 || .535 || {{sort|-|—}} || .644 || 7.5 || 1.1 || .4 || 1.2 || 9.9

| align=left| {{pbay|2023}}

| align=left| Converge

| 22 || 28.8 || .595 || {{sort|-|—}} || .643 || 7.0 || 1.7 || .2 || .8 || 17.0

|-class=sortbottom

| align=center colspan=2 | Career

| 59 || 26.2 || .563 || {{sort|-|—}} || .644 || 7.3 || 1.4 || .4 || 1.0 || 12.5

= UAAP =

{{Cite web |title=Justin Arana – Career Stats – Humblebola |url=http://stats.humblebola.com/uaap/players/906-Arana-Justin |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181015030818/http://stats.humblebola.com/uaap/players/906-Arana-Justin |archive-date=October 15, 2018 |access-date=September 15, 2023}}

class="wikitable sortable"

!Year

!Team

!GP

!MPG

!FG%

!3P%

!FT%

!RPG

!APG

!SPG

!BPG