Calvin Oftana will have to make a huge decision in the following days – remain in San Beda or enter the 2021 PBA Rookie Draft.
In an interview with Mikee Reyes’s Straight Up podcast, the NCAA Season 95 Seniors Basketball Most Valuable Player admitted that the upcoming draft set on March 14 has been on his mind.
“Wala pa kasi iniisip ko pa kung magpapa-draft pa ko,” he said.
In fact, Oftana shared that he and La Salle big man Justine Baltazar talked about the possibility of entering the draft together during their time in Manama, Bahrain for the second window of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
“Pareho kami walang pang desisyon. January ako magdedesisyon.”
The native of Dumaguete City, however, feels worried that the depth of the upcoming rookie class might drop his stock.
The likes of Joshua Munzon, Jamie Malonzo, Alvin Pasaol, Santi Santillan, Troy Rike, Jeremiah Gray, and Brandon Rosser will be entering, among others.
“Lalim kaya ng drafting ngayon,” he said.
Clint Doliguez, who was drafted as the sixth overall pick in the 2019 Regular Draft, is confident that the 6-foot-6 utility forward has what it takes to be in the big league.
In his senior year, Oftana averaged 15.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 blocks per contest. He also delivered on the international stage, tallying nine points, four rebounds, four assists, a steal, and a block in Gilas’ 93-69 rout of Thailand last November 30.
“Sobra. Hinahantay na nga siya ng Rain or Shine e. Pero fit na fit na fit na siya sa PBA. ‘Yung laro, height, lahat nandiyan na e,” opined Doliguez, who averaged 4.17 points on 50-percent shooting from the field with 1.17 boards during his rookie year.
Evan Nelle, who transferred from San Beda to La Salle last year, is teasing for him to go one-and-done with the Green Archers first.
However, Oftana, who only has three subjects left before graduating, is already turning 25 on January 3. This would make him ineligible to join the UAAP.
Still, Oftana is not closing his doors on a San Beda return, sharing that he and head coach Boyet Fernandez have been in constant communication.
