Oftana bringing MVP act to Bahrain
SAN BEDA University star Calvin Oftana is bringing his Most Valuable Player (MVP) act for the first time abroad as he joined the national men’s pool that flew to Bahrain on Sunday to vie in the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asian Qualifiers.
And with South Korea’s withdrawal in the second window of qualifiers, Oftana and the all-amateur Gilas Pilipinas batch are eager to play for flag and country.
“This is my first time to be with the national team and I am excited,” Oftana, the MVP in last season’s National Collegiate Athletic Association told Businessmirror on the eve of their departure for Manama. “I was overwhelmed that I was selected.”
“But this is not a joke playing for your country and it would be hard for us because of eight months without basketball,” the Marketing Management senior from Dumaguete City said.
The Manama bubble is hosting the second window for Group A teams from November 27 to 30. South Korea withdrew because of Covid-19 pandemic concerns, leaving the Philippines contending with only Thailand and Indonesia.
Oftana averaged 15.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.2 blocks in the NCAA last season, but the Red Lions yielded to the Letran Knights in the finals, 1-2.
Oftana said they are focused to play as a team under Head Coach Jong Uichico in the bubble.
“We are playing as a team, so whatever the coaches ask us to do, we will do it,” he said.
The other members of the pool are Kobe Paras, brothers Mike and Matt Nieto, Isaac Go, Justine Baltazar, Dave Ildefonso, Juan and Javi Gomez de Liaño, Will Navarro, Dwight Ramos, Kenmark Carino, Jaydee Tungcab, Rey Suerte and Allyn Bulanadi.
Ivorian Angelo Kouame was left behind because his naturalization papers have yet to be completed.
Uichico said the pool practiced for only 10 days at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna.
“But the energy and intensity of the young players are there,” Uichico said.
“It’s something new for us so we have to adjust quickly in this kind of set up.” The withdrawal of South Korea, Uichico said, is a blessing for the team.
“It’s definitely not an advantage, but at least we will just play two to three games instead of a possible three or four games,” said Uichico.
Also with the team are Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas program director Tab Baldwin and Assistant Coach Boyet Fernandez.