Justin Arana

Early life and high school career

Arana learned to shoot using a ring attached to a mango tree built by his father, then played in inter-barangay leagues. As a first-year high school student at Basud National High School, he stood 6'2". He was recruited to the varsity team in his third year, having grown to 6'4". In 2015, he played in Bicol's Regional Meet and the Palarong Pambansa, attracting attention from colleges.

College career

Arana joined the UST Growling Tigers and made the team immediately but saw limited minutes in his first two years. During his junior season, he collapsed in an offseason tuneup game and was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse, limiting him to five games. He left UST before UAAP Season 81 due to a conflict with a team manager, thinking his major college career was over. A former UST assistant coach recruited him to Arellano, where he spent his residency year recovering with weekly 2D echo tests and maintenance medicine paid for by the university.

In NCAA Season 95, Arellano started 1–5; Arana posted 20 points, 10 rebounds, and seven blocks in a loss to UPHSD, then a career-high 25 points in a loss to Benilde. He led an upset win over Lyceum with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks, earning Player of the Week. He had 23 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks in a loss to San Beda, and contributed 17 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks in a win over UPHSD. Arellano finished 4–14 in last place.

Arana was named NCAA Rookie of the Year and All-Defensive Team, averaging 13.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.8 blocks, and 1.4 assists. He played in the NCAA All-Star Game, scoring 22 points with seven rebounds. He turned down the PBA Draft to return for Season 96, but basketball was canceled due to COVID-19 protocols, and his eligibility transferred to the next season. He received interest from B.League teams during this time.

Professional career

Arana was selected fourth overall by Converge in the 2022 PBA draft. In his Philippine Cup debut, he had six points, nine rebounds, three blocks, a steal, and an assist in a loss to Rain or Shine. He recorded a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds in a win over Terrafirma. In the Commissioner's Cup opener, he contributed 13 points and seven rebounds in new head coach Aldin Ayo's first win.

He posted 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and a steal in a loss to Magnolia, and a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds in a win over TNT. Converge won seven straight games to reach the playoffs; Arana had 16 points, seven rebounds, and the game-winning shot against Rain or Shine. He set a PBA career-high of 23 points in the last game of the conference, but Converge lost their final two games to finish fifth and were eliminated by San Miguel.

In the Governors' Cup, he had 15 points and six rebounds in a win over Terrafirma, and 21 points and eight rebounds in a win over Rain or Shine. He limited June Mar Fajardo to seven points and 10 rebounds in a win over San Miguel. He was selected for the Rookie/Sophomore/Juniors game at All-Star Weekend, scoring 23 points for the winning team. Converge made the playoffs again but were eliminated by San Miguel.

Did You Know?

• He was a final cut from the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers roster in 2026 but replaced Carl Tamayo after an ankle injury.
• He was added to the Philippines' roster for the 2026 Asian Games.