CALVIN Oftana is taking his warrior act from the PBA to the FIBA Asia Cup.
The TNT wingman will be going with Gilas Pilipinas to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for the quadrennial showcase that begins next week, even though he has yet to be fully recovered from the double sprained ankle he suffered in the just-concluded Philippine Cup.
Both Oftana and Gilas deputy coach Richard Del Rosario confirmed the 29-year-old forward will be leaving with the rest of the national team late Wednesday night for the Middle East.
“Yes, he will be going,” said Del Rosario after the Philippines concluded its final practice at home on the same day it will depart.
Initially, coach Tim Cone admitted the Tropang 5G gunner's situation was 50-50 after the latter played through sprains on both his ankles during the best-of-seven title series San Miguel eventually won.
READ: Oftana doubtful for Asia Cup after injuries sustained in Finals
“We’re not sure about Calvin. The medical reports are that he might be out a little bit longer. So far that’s what we’ve gotten,” said the Gilas coach after their 103-98 win over the Macau Black Bears in their friendly Monday night.
Oftana sat out the tuneup game along with veteran center June Mar Fajardo, as both were given the green light to take a rest following the all-Filipino finals.
Unlike Oftana’s case, Fajardo is sure of suiting up for Gilas in the August 5-17 meet, and is expected to have his first practice with the team once it arrives in Jeddah.
Cone though, remains uncertain if his condition will allow Oftana to play for the entire tournament where Gilas is in Group D together with Chinese Taipei, New Zealand, and Iraq.
"We were given a medical report from his camp. We're not sure if he's going to be available for the whole tournament," said the Gilas coach.
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