MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas coach Tim Cone said TNT dead shot Calvin Oftana is filling in the 12th and final spot for the national team in the Asian Games men’s basketball set to start on Thursday in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
The sweet-shooting Oftana is expected to arrive and join the national team on Wednesday in Japan.
“Calvin Oftana is stepping in as our 12th man. He is arriving this (Wednesday) afternoon, we hope in time to make our practice schedule today,” Cone told the Manila Times.
“Calvin was always on the list to play, but we were uncertain of his health status. He has since returned to TnT’s practice and is good to go,” he added.
The American mentor believes the TNT wingman, known for his ability to shoot from long-range, is a plug-and-play guy, can contribute right away for Gilas, which is defending the country’s basketball crown.
“Because of the system we are running and his previous experience in the window teams, he’s a plug and play player and will fit right in,” he said.
Oftana has recovered already from calf and toe issues that forced him to miss games for the Tropang 5G in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
But now that he’s well, Cone has high hopes that Oftana can bring on the needed experience for this Gilas side that won’t have Justin Brownlee, and will be relying on PBA stars for the Asian Games.
Oftana has been part of the Gilas program under Cone since the American assumed the post three years ago.
