TNT is currently on a roll with a six-game winning streak and an 8-1 record in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
The Tropang Giga have surpassed other teams in the league and are now sitting at the top of the standings.
This feat is not without its challenges, especially when key players like Roger Pogoy and Mikey Williams are sidelined due to injuries.
But in their recent games, it was Calvin Oftana who shone the brightest.
The San Beda alumnus showed that he is a force to be reckoned with as he averaged 14.7 points and 8.7 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 1.3 steals. He led the Tropang Giga to a three-game sweep of their schedule, which earned him the recognition of the Cignal Play-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of February 15-19.
Oftana’s performance was crucial to TNT’s success.
In their match against San Miguel, he made a game-winning putback to secure their victory with a score of 105-103. He finished the game with a double-double of 14 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists.
This game was a battle of the league leaders, and Oftana’s performance proved to be the game-changer.
The third overall pick of the 2020 PBA Draft did not slow down in the following games. Against Blackwater, he had an all-around line of 11 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals. In their match against Meralco, he scored 19 points, eight rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a block, which helped TNT secure their 111-104 win.
Oftana’s talent and skill have not gone unnoticed. He is part of the Gilas Pilipinas pool and is gearing up for the final window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. Despite being a relatively newcomer to the league, he has proven himself to be an essential player for TNT.
Alongside veteran player Jayson Castro, Oftana has served as a spark plug for the team. With Pogoy and Williams out, the team needed someone to step up, and Oftana did just that. His ability to perform under pressure and make crucial plays has made him an asset to the team.
As the PBA Governors’ Cup continues, TNT Tropang Giga looks to maintain their momentum and claim the championship.