Calvin Oftana was filled with regret after his shoot interview with podcast Straight Up with Mieke Reyes.
At first, Oftana thought that it was just a light-hearted interview between friends. However, it ended up turning viral.
“Sa lahat ng nasaktan or natamaan sa mga sinabi ko dun, it’s really not my intention na siraan at manira ng tao. I want to apologize to them,” expressed the native of Dumaguete City to Tiebreaker Times.
“Being a team captain, I should have done better.”
Many were tackled during the session that also had Red Lions Evan Nelle and Clint Doliguez — the former already with La Salle while the latter already a pro with Rain or Shine.
One of the controversial topics discussed was the aftermath of NCAA Season 95’s Game Three that saw San Beda fall to rival Letran, 79-81.
Nelle alleged that he was given a cold shoulder by head coach Boyet Fernandez. Also raised was the “lack of adjustments” made for the winner-take-all bout.
According to Oftana, he had no intention to drag down his decorated mentor’s name. After all, it was Fernandez who gave him his biggest break.
“Bakit ko sisiraan si Coach Boyet? Siya yung nagbigay sa akin ng playing time na hinangad ko,” shared Oftana.
In Season 94, the 6-foot-6 utility forward played just 10.7 minutes per game for averages of 4.8 points and 3.0 boards. A year later, his playing time increased to 25.5 minutes and his numbers shot up to 15.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 21 games played. Oftana won the NCAA Season 95 Most Valuable Player plum as well.
His standout performance also led him to join Gilas Pilipinas in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
“Kung anuman ako ngayon, dahil yun sa playing time at tiwala na binigay ni Coach Boyet sa akin. Talagang nagpapasalamat ako sa kanya.”
There was also the topic of “in-game” bonuses. It’s a sensitive topic in collegiate sports.
Oftana, who turns 25 on Sunday, bared that they have already been given the incentives by the team’s boosters.
“Kay Boss Jude [Roque] namen, yung tungkol sa incentive, pabiro lang naman yun,” said Oftana.
“Siyempre, alam ko naman na natanggap na namin ‘yun.”
Oftana is still unsure whether he will come back to San Beda or turn pro.
But whatever his decision may be, he will always be grateful to the school for giving him numerous opportunities both as a student and as an athlete.
“Malaki ang utang na loob ko sa San Beda. Sino ba naman ako ngayon kung hindi dahil sa kanila.”
