MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas sniper Calvin Oftana’s status in the coming FIBA Asia Cup 2025 is doubtful owing to the two ankle sprains be sustained during TNT’s failed grand slam bid in the just-concluded PBA Season 49.
Coach Tim Cone said they have been furnished the latest medical report by TNT, indicating that the Cebuano hotshot’s recovery might take longer than expected.
“We are not sure about Calvin,” said Cone, shortly after Gilas scored a come-from-behind 103-98 win against the Macau Black Bears in their send off match Monday night at the Araneta Coliseum. “The medical reports are that he might be out a little bit longer, so far that we’ve gotten.” “We were given the medical report from his camp so we are not sure if he is going to be available for the whole tournament. We are going to address that today or tomorrow,” he added.
The former San Beda star played through two injured ankles while trying to help the Tropang 5G in their grand slam bid.
But San Miguel Beer denied TNT the chance to win the rare “Triple Crown” after winning the PBA Philippine Cup crown via a 4-2 Finals series victory result last week.
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Given Oftana’s injury status, Cone has two potential choices in Ginebra forward Troy Rosario and guard RJ Abarrientos to possibly shore up that spot if ever.
“We’ve got Troy and RJ sitting on the wings to step in if necessary,” Cone said.
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Gilas is set to leave on Wednesday for the Middle East, where the national team will be taking on Jordan later, in its last friendly game.
The Philippines will then, open the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia against Taiwan on August 6.
