TNT Tropang 5G wing Calvin Oftana will complete the Gilas Pilipinas 12‑man lineup for the 20th Asian Games. The veteran ka‑Tropa will be taking Justin Brownlee’s spot, which originally would’ve gone unfilled in case JB couldn’t make it.
According to the PBA website, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas notified Oftana and TNT only on Tuesday and cited injuries and eligibility issues as the reasons the former San Beda Red Lion is being enlisted once more. Oftana hasn’t played since the Season 50 PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals as he is still recovering from injuries.
The Cebuano wing appears excited for his sudden call-up, writing, “ANSWERING THE CALL • QUICK TURNAROUND. Honored to represent the Philippines in the Asian Games and wear the Gilas jersey with pride” on social media.
What Oftana Brings and How He Can Help
While it is yet unclear if Oftana is in good enough shape to play meaningful minutes, he should be a welcome addition to a team that has very little experience in the international 5×5 stage. Oftana is battle‑tested in FIBA competition and played in that Gilas squad that won gold in the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023. This means he could bring a wealth of experience and insight into the team, even on the bench or in practices.
Then, if healthy enough, the 6‑foot‑5 six‑year veteran gives Gilas size at the wing as the team’s only natural small forward. Without Oftana in the mix, 6‑foot‑3 Don Trollano would’ve been Gilas’ first and most logical option at the 3, with Zav Lucero possibly getting minutes at that spot as well. A healthy Oftana gives the nationals a semblance of positional versatility as he can play the 3, moonlight at the 2, and even play some 4 in small‑ball configurations.
Oftana, if healthy, should also add some much‑needed marksmanship from deep—something Gilas needs plenty of after shooting just 25.5% from the arc in two blowout losses to South Korea. Granted, the TNT wingman hasn’t been lights out in international competition, but he is still a 38.4% career shooter from three in the PBA, and if this national team plays fast and loose as initially reported, he could be primed for a breakout in Nagoya.
Of course, how much Oftana can contribute in this gold‑medal defense remains to be seen. But, at the very least, Gilas will have a full complement of players when it goes to battle.
