CALVIN Oftana allayed fears about his health situation with Gilas Pilipinas as he already joined the team in practice and is expected to suit up in its friendly against Jordan prior to the FIBA Asia Cup opener.
The TNT forward hardly showed any effects of the sprain that hampered both his ankles during the last PBA Philippine Cup finals as he was actively running up and down the court in the four practice sessions the team has done so far since arriving in Jeddah last Thursday.
READ: Gilas seeks redemption from forgettable 2022 Asia Cup campaign
Physical therapist Arcee Cua said Oftana is good to play, though he still feels some pain in his two banged-up ankles.
“He’s just managing aches and pains from the last finals. But he’s now OK and has been able to practice with the team since our first practice last July 30,” said Cua.
Seeing the 29-year-old Oftana rejoining Gilas in practice certainly gave coach Tim Cone one less thing to worry about.
“He looks really good, he looks spritely, he’s jumping well, he’s moving well. He looks really good, so we’re pleased to have him,” said Cone as he gave an update on the situation of Oftana, who was actually not certain in joining the Philippine team until the eve of its departure to the Middle East.
Oftana’s outside shooting is definitely a major weapon Gilas can’t afford to lose, according to Cone, if it is eyeing to make it deep into the quadrennial meet that officially kicks off on Tuesday.
“We need that guy (Oftana) who’s a lights-out shooter that other teams have to worry about,” stressed the national coach. “That helps out spread the floor for Justin (Brownlee), June Mar (Fajardo), and others.”
His double sprained ankle which he suffered beginning the All-Filipino Cup playoffs, worried Cone and his coaching staff as Oftana initially appeared doubtful of joining Gilas days leading to its departure.
Waiting in the wings to take his spot in the final 12-man lineup were RJ Abarrientos and Troy Rosario.
But eventually, the former NCAA MVP from San Beda was given clearance to leave with the team and play for the August 5-17 tournament.
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