JUSTIN Arana flourished in a crucial role he was entrusted with in the final moments of Converge’s game against Blackwater on Wednesday.
The Converge rookie had 13 points and five rebounds, while scoring back-to-back baskets late in the game that led to the FiberXers defeating the Bossing, 92-90, in the PBA Philippine Cup eliminations.
The fourth pick in the recent draft said he was motivated to step up after a poor performance in the first three quarters where he only shot 1-of-5 from the field. He scored nine in the final quarter alone.
[See Justin Arana saves day for Converge]
“Sobrang parang nagkakalat ako nung una,” said Arana. “Mindset ko, gusto ko na lang bumawi kasi kapag natalo kami, ito na ‘yung last game eh. Binigay ko ‘yung best ko kasi gusto ko bumawi.
"Nahiya rin ako sa mga coaches ko. Dami kong turnovers. Nagpapasalamat ako kay God na kahit pangit ang start ko, binigyan pa rin niya ako ng lakas para ma-extend namin ‘yung season namin.”
Converge coach Jeff Cariaso said the team is making an effort to expose Arana and the team's other rookies in situations where they can learn.
Experience is always the best teacher, he said.
“The best we learn is to be out there. We understand that the way for him and our other rookies to improve is to throw them out there and gain experience. I feel that towards the end, I knew they were attacking him, they knew the defense that we were playing and they were making sure that he was involved. Kudos to him and credit to him for staying and sticking to the game plan. It’s not easy what we were asking [from] him,” Cariaso said.

Cariaso said Arana has definitely earned his minutes with the work he has put in practice.
“What I like about him is his work ethic. He is one of the hardest workers. He is there early, leaves late. Entrusting him isn’t difficult. He showed that he deserved that tonight,” Cariaso said.
Aside from his coaches, Arana said he is also happy that his teammates also trusts him. It was evident during the game-winning play where Allyn Bulanadi passed on an open shot to feed Arana inside for a higher-percentage shot.
“Si Allyn, lagi niya rin ako sinasabihan na once nasa akin ‘yung bola, aggressive at ready ka lang dahil hahanapin kita. ‘Yun ang sinasabi niya lagi every game. Thankful din ako sa kanya na binibigay niya sa akin at nagtitiwala siya sa akin,” said the former Arellano big man.
“Sobrang thankful ako sa coaches ko. Kahit gaano kapangit ‘yung pinakita ko nung una, may tiwala pa rin sila sa akin,” said Arana.
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