‘Plug and play’ Oftana completes Gilas’ Asian Games roster
MANILA, Philippines – Calvin Oftana returns to national team duty as he completes Gilas Pilipinas’ 12-man roster in the Asian Games.
Taking over the spot initially reserved for Justin Brownlee, Oftana flew to Japan on Wednesday, September 9, just two days before the Philippines opens its title defense against Bahrain at the Aichi International Arena in Nagoya on Friday, September 11.
“Calvin Oftana is stepping in as our 12th man. He is arriving this afternoon, we hope in time to make our practice schedule today,” Cone said through a Viber exchange.
Oftana, who stars for TNT in the PBA, last suited up for Gilas Pilipinas in March in the second window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers before injuries kept him out of national team action.
Cone previously said the Asian Games team is ready to compete with just 11 players if Brownlee, who has been dealing with injuries that sidelined him for the last three Asian Qualifiers games, is unable to play.
But with Oftana becoming available, Cone and his staff decided to bring him in.
“Calvin was always on the list to play, but we were uncertain of his health status. He has since returned to TNT’s practice and is good to go,” said Cone.
Despite Oftana coming in at the last minute, Cone sees him fitting seamlessly into the squad, with the 30-year-old forward boasting extensive national team experience.
In fact, Oftana is the only remnant of the 2023 crew that won the Philippines its first men’s basketball gold medal in the Asian Games since 1962.
“Because of the system we are running and his previous experience in the window teams, he’s a plug and play player and will fit right in,” said Cone.
After Bahrain, the Philippines will battle Kazakhstan and China on September 12 and 14, respectively. – Rappler.com
