Justin Arana finds a home with Arellano Chiefs

MANILA, Philippines — Justin Arana has found a home with the rebuilding Arellano University Chiefs. The former University of Santo Tomas Growling Tiger left one season ago amidst all the turmoil of his former team and in the post-Jerry Codinera era of the Chiefs, looks to be a vital cog for his new team.

In his Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup debut with Arellano, Arana was a pillar of strength for first year head coach Cholo Martin. The 6’5” Arana scored a team high 16 points and grabbed 17 rebounds while adding one assist against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons who prevailed, 78-69.

Arana shot 88% from the field and 50% from the free throw line. 

The Fighting Maroons were able to keep at bay the Chiefs who have only Kent Salado, Rence Alcoriza, and Archie Concepcion left in uniform from the teams that went to the NCAA Finals in 2014 and 2016.

The Chiefs kept the match close and missed some shots in the last two minutes that could have possibly altered the outcome.

“Transferring was difficult for me because I was with UST for three years and I looked at my teammates there like brothers,” confided Arana. 

Incidentally, Gelo Sablan, the son of his former UST coach, Boy Sablan, is now his teammate in Arellano.

The time away from the game helped him focus on his schooling and working on his game. “Mahirap noong residency kasi nagaantay ka pa for the next NCAA and gustong gusto mo makatulong.”

“While serving my residency, Coach Jerry (Codinera) and now Coach Cholo Martin helped me improve my game and confidence. Coach Cholo has also been great helping me improve and I am happy to give back that trust.”

Arana is happy that the move has worked out for him.

“Heads up pa rin kami kahit natalo kami (sa UP) kasi binigay namin yung best,” summed up Arana who hails from Bicol went to Basud National High School before going to UST. “Even if we came up short and in the last minute of play, it is a good learning experience for us because this will help us come the NCAA.”