Calvin Oftana has become doubtful for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.
The TNT star could miss the August 5–17 showpiece in Jeddah due to the injuries he sustained during the recent PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals.
Coach Tim Cone and the Nationals are, of course, crossing their fingers that he’d still be available, although recent medical reports say otherwise.
“We’re not sure about Calvin,” he told reporters after the Philippines’ 103-98 victory over the Macau Black Bears at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, Monday.
“The medical reports are that he might be out a little bit longer, so far that we’ve gotten,” the veteran internationalist added, visibly worried.
Oftana, together with June Mar Fajardo, sat out the friendly, which is part of Gilas’ preparation for the Asia Cup that begins next Tuesday.
Both men were just days removed from the Philippine Cup title series, which saw the eight-time MVP and the Beermen beat the Tropang 5G in six.
The two played through the series with banged-up bodies, with Fajardo himself still yet to fully recover from the calf injury he sustained back in the semis.
(C) PBA Images
Oftana, on the other hand, remains in pain due to a high ankle sprain, which he suffered during the semis as well — and never had the chance to rest.
Apparently, his injury worsened, thus the cloud of certainty that’s now floating above his status for FIBA’s flagship event for men’s national teams in Asia.
“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,” Cone lamented.
“We’re gonna try to address that today or tomorrow,” he added.
Oftana’s situation is a tad reminiscent of the 2023 SEA Games, where he only played for one game and missed the rest of the tilt due to a calf injury.
Tuesday is FIBA’s deadline for the final rosters, and in the event that Oftana doesn’t have clearance, Cone and his deputies have two men to choose from.
“We got Troy and RJ sitting on the wings to step in if necessary,” he said, referring to his Ginebra wards Troy Rosario and RJ Abarrientos.
Fajardo, on the other hand, could be back in practice by July 31, said Cone.
