Sprained ankles and all, Calvin Oftana is ready to heed the nation’s call.
Oftana was named by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) as part of Gilas Pilipinas’ 12-man official roster for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Thursday.
The TNT prized forward sprained both his ankles during the Tropang 5G’s Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup semifinals series against Rain or Shine. He played through pain, but TNT ultimately saw its grand slam bid foiled by San Miguel Beer in the finals.
Oftana sat out Gilas’ send-off match against the Macau Black Bears last Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to rest and was considered a probable scratch until given the go-signal to wear the tricolors in the continental cagefest running from 5 to 17 August.
“Of course, para sa bayan,” the 29-year-old Oftana said during Gilas departure Wednesday night.
The Danao, Cebu pride has expressed a strong desire to serve the country once again, hurting and all.
“I’m here with the same comrades I have been with since this current Gilas was formed,” the 6-foot-5 grizzled veteran said.
“I’ll think of resting after this (FIBA Asia Cup tournament).”
Gilas is on a mission to end four decades of championship drought.
The Filipinos will face Chinese Taipei on 6 August followed by New Zealand on the 8th before wrapping their Group D assignment against Iraq on the 10th.
“Expect us to do our best to win every game for the country, for the Filipino, for these guys, our coaches and our families,” Oftana said.