CHICAGO - Having tweaked his right ankle three times during TNT's PBA Philippine Cup semifinals series versus Rain or Shine last month, Calvin Oftana wasn't fully healthy when he joined Gilas Pilipinas in the ongoing 2025 FIBA Asia Cup.
All in the name of service to the country, the Bisaya originally from Danao is soldiering through pain and discomfort.
"Kaya pa. Okay pa," he said of the grind.
READ Oftana re-injures right ankle in Gilas' win versus Iraq
But after tweaking the same ankle in Gilas' 66-57 win over Iraq on Saturday, it doesn't seem like the fourth time's the charm.
Unless a miracle happens and he suddenly grows a bionic foot, it's highly unlikely that the Tropang 5G stalwart will play in the qualification match versus host Saudi Arabia for this Tuesday.
While he is willing to sacrifice his body and make himself available for the rest of the tournament, Oftana is choosing discretion over valor.
"I want to play. Pero fourth time is too much siguro. I need a proper rehab sa aking mga injury," he told me via text message.
Resting his bum foot shields Oftana from more serious injury that could compromise his livelihood. It also protects Gilas, the player said.
"Ayaw ko na liability ko sa depensa lalo na nag sturrgle ako sa opensa."
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