Calvin Oftana doubtful for Gilas Pilipinas in FIBA Asia Cup

Calvin Oftana's health status puts his availability for Gilas Pilipinas in doubt ahead of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup.

National team head coach Tim Cone revealed on Monday that Oftana is uncertain to suit up after the sharpshooter sustained injuries during TNT's finals series against San Miguel in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup. 

Oftana hurt both of his ankles in the grueling finals clash as the Tropang 5G eventually fell to the Beermen in six games.

"We’re not sure about Calvin. The medical reports are that he might be out a little bit longer," Cone said following Gilas' 103-98 win over the Macau Black Bears in a friendly encounter at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

"We were given a medical report from his camp so we’re not sure if he’s going to be available for the whole tournament."

Cone, though, isn't worried about the manpower shortage with his trusted wards in Troy Rosario and RJ Abarrientos ready to step in whenever necessary. 

"We’re gonna try to address that today or tomorrow and we got Troy and RJ in the wings to step in if necessary," Cone added.

Cone also added that June Mar Fajardo, who sat out the send-off showdown against Macau, will take another three-day off before rejoining physical activities once they land in Jeddah, where they will figure in another friendly game against Jordan before the Asia Cup proper. 

"But June Mar, we expect him to start practicing when we land in Jeddah," Cone shared.

"He changes the game for us, we have to play a different way with June Mar on the floor and that’s the only concern because we haven’t had practice time with him. We’ll see what’s going on with him."

—JKC, GMA Integrated News