Calvin Oftana is part of Gilas Pilipinas’ final 12 for the second window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, where the Philippines will host New Zealand and Australia.
Though still not at 100 percent, Calvin Oftana just couldn’t refuse to answer the country’s call.
Oftana says he could still feel a twinge in his knee, but is shrugging it off as he is set to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the second window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
The TNT ace is part of the final 12 as Gilas hosts New Zealand on Thursday, Feb. 26.
[RELATED STORY: Juan Gomez de Liaño makes Final 12 for Gilas Pilipinas vs New Zealand]
“To be honest I feel something on my knee pa. Pero it’s all about playing for the country. Those kind of injuries manageable naman,” Oftana told One Sports.
Late last year, Oftana begged off in the previous window against Guam due to a nagging hamstring injury.
But there’s no way he is sitting out this time as the Nationals square off against powerhouses New Zealand and Australia.
“Yes, ready to play. Hopefully I can give help sa mga teammates ko at yung team,” he said.
“Malalakas mga kalaban natin pero we’re happy na homecourt advantage. It’s gonna be full packed during the games.”
After New Zealand, Gilas will also host Australia on March 1. Both games are at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Joining Oftana in this quest are Justin Brownlee, June Mar Fajardo, Juan Gomez de Liaño, AJ Edu, Quentin Millora-Brown, Chris Newsome, Cjay Perez, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, Scottie Thompson, and Carl Tamayo.
(With reports from Gillian Trinidad/One Sports Digital)
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.