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Tag: Calvin Oftana

  • Calvin Oftana chooses recovery over Gilas duty after injury-plagued stretch

    Calvin Oftana chooses recovery over Gilas duty after injury-plagued stretch

    Calvin Oftana kept showing up.

     

    Whether it was for TNT or Gilas Pilipinas, the veteran forward rarely stepped away from the court despite carrying injuries that gradually became harder to ignore.

     

    Now, after another demanding campaign ended with TNT falling short in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, Oftana has decided it is finally time to stop playing through pain.

     

    The TNT star confirmed that he will miss Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign in the third window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers as he undergoes a minor foot procedure and begins a much-needed recovery period.

     

    “Wala. Pahinga muna ako,” Oftana said shortly after TNT’s 88-76 loss to Barangay Ginebra in Game 7 on Wednesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    The decision marks a rare break for one of Philippine basketball’s busiest players.

     

    Behind the scenes, Oftana had been battling a troublesome foot injury for quite some time, an issue that affected him throughout the recently concluded Finals series. At the same time, he was also dealing with a recurring calf problem while juggling commitments between club and country.

    The physical toll eventually caught up with him.

     

    Yet even with those concerns, Oftana still chose to suit up for the championship-deciding game.

    He logged 31 minutes in Game 7, finishing with five points, three rebounds, three assists, and a steal as TNT attempted to defend its title. But with his body far from full strength, the challenge proved difficult against a Ginebra squad that eventually pulled away.

     

    For Oftana, playing was never guaranteed.

     

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    “Sabi ko nga sa mga kasama ko, dasal muna ako; kung bigyan ako ng sign ni Lord na maglaro kahit may iniinda, maglalaro ako sa Game Seven,” he said.

     

    “‘Yun nga, napanaginipan ko tumatakbo ako, sabi ko baka yun yung sign,” he added with a chuckle, trying to be an image of optimism.

     

    “Pero, mahirap maglaro nang may iniinda. Ayaw naman natin nun. But hats off to Ginebra.”

     

    The former NCAA MVP admitted that stepping away now is less about basketball and more about preserving his health for the long run.

     

    Instead of joining Gilas in the upcoming international window, Oftana plans to focus on rehabilitation and recovery. The timeline means he could also miss the opening portion of the next PBA conference.

     

    After years of answering every call, the 30-year-old believes rest has become a necessity rather than an option.

     

    “Mami-miss ko ‘yung first quarter ng next conference. Kailangan na magpahinga siguro dahil sa sobra na rin sa laro,” he said.

     

    “Pero hindi naman rason ‘yun. Dapat maging healthy. Gusto ko lang maging healthy sa next conference.”

     

    For a player known for his durability and willingness to play through adversity, that goal may be the most important one yet.

     

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  • Roger Pogoy backs TNT’s chances despite injury concerns ahead of decisive Game 7

    Roger Pogoy backs TNT’s chances despite injury concerns ahead of decisive Game 7

    TNT Tropang 5G heads into a winner-take-all Game 7 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals carrying both momentum and uncertainty, as injuries continue to cast a shadow over the team’s championship aspirations.

     

    After battling back from the brink of defeat, TNT forced a deciding game with a gutsy 98-90 victory over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in Game 6, evening the best-of-seven series at 3-3 and setting the stage for a highly anticipated finale at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, June 17.

     

    While the Tropang 5G showed remarkable resilience in extending the series, concerns remain regarding the health of several key players. Star forward Calvin Oftana has been dealing with a calf injury, while Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser continues to recover from the ankle injury he sustained during Game 5. Their availability for the championship decider could prove pivotal in TNT’s quest for another title.

     

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    Despite the uncertainty surrounding his teammates, veteran forward Roger Pogoy expressed confidence that both players will suit up for the biggest game of the conference.

     

    “Right now I declare, maglalaro sila next game. Para sa akin. I will declare. Kasama si Lord yan. Maglalaro yan sa Game 7. At the end of the day, si Lord lang talaga makakaalam kung sino yung mananalo. Basta as long as we will give our best, may the best team win,” Pogoy said in a media interaction.

     

    Pogoy’s optimism reflects the confidence and belief that have fueled TNT throughout the series. Faced with adversity and a depleted roster, the Tropang 5G refused to back down in Game 6, relying on collective effort, defensive intensity, and timely scoring to keep their championship hopes alive.

    The veteran shooter was particularly proud of how his teammates responded to the challenge, highlighting the determination shown by the entire squad despite the absence of key contributors.

     

    “Sobrang proud ako sa mga teammates ko talagang lumaban ng dulo. Kahit kulang kami, kahit wala si Calvin, BGR talagang sabi ko sa kanila, anuhan na lang to. Puso-puso na lang talaga to. Talagang hands up talagang kay Chris McCullough kasi yun nga, pinakita niya talaga na import talaga siya. Kasi yun nga, yun yung kailangan namin. Wala kami Calvin e, wala BGR e. Talagang saludo kay Chris talaga. Binuhat niya kami,” he added.

     

    McCullough delivered one of his finest performances of the conference in Game 6, stepping up when TNT needed him most. With the team missing significant firepower and frontcourt depth, the import carried a heavy offensive burden while also providing leadership on both ends of the floor. His performance helped neutralize Ginebra’s efforts and ensured the series would go the distance.

     

    Now, with one game left to decide the championship, Pogoy believes the Finals will ultimately come down to desire, execution, and which team can rise to the occasion under pressure. In a Game 7 environment, where every possession is magnified and every mistake can be costly, mental toughness and composure often become the deciding factors.

     

    For Pogoy, statistics, momentum, and even previous results may no longer matter. What matters most is which team is willing to leave everything on the floor.

     

    “Talagang sa Game 7 kung sinong gustong manalo, sino din pumapasok yung mga tira. Ganun din eh. Ganun talaga yan sa Game 7. Talagang wala na yan. Talagang kung sinong gustong manalo, yun yung mananalo,” he concluded.

     

    With the Commissioner’s Cup trophy on the line, both TNT Tropang 5G and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel now prepare for one final battle in what has been a fiercely contested championship series. TNT will look to complete its comeback despite injury concerns, while Ginebra aims to regroup and capitalize on the opportunity to capture another league title.

     

    After six hard-fought games, the stage is set for a dramatic conclusion. A championship, legacy, and months of hard work will all come down to 48 minutes in Game 7.

     

     

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  • Shorthanded TNT keeps title defense alive despite injuries to key players 

    Shorthanded TNT keeps title defense alive despite injuries to key players 

    When TNT stepped onto the floor for the biggest game of its season, two of its most important pieces were already fighting battles of their own.

     

    Calvin Oftana and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser suited up for Game 6 of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals, but neither would see action as injuries forced the defending champions to navigate their most critical night shorthanded.

     

    For Oftana, weeks of playing through pain finally reached a breaking point.

     

    The TNT forward was sidelined by an infected right toe and a lingering calf injury that had steadily worsened throughout the championship series. Although he remained on the bench in uniform, head coach Chot Reyes opted not to risk further damage.

     

    The absence was particularly significant given Oftana’s role in the Finals. Through the first five games, the versatile forward averaged 13.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists while often serving as one of TNT’s most reliable two-way contributors.

     

    Signs of the injury’s impact were already evident in Game 5, when Oftana was unable to play during the overtime period of TNT’s 100-95 defeat. Days later, the physical toll proved too much to overcome.

     

    TNT also lost another key rotation player in Ganuelas-Rosser, who suffered an ankle injury during the Game 5 loss.

     

    The energetic big man had quietly provided valuable production throughout the series, averaging 8.6 points and 4.6 rebounds while supplying interior defense and rebounding against Ginebra’s frontline.

     

    With both players unavailable, TNT entered Game 6 facing more than just elimination pressure.

     

    The Tropang 5G needed to find a way to extend their title defense without two regular contributors against a Barangay Ginebra squad carrying momentum and looking to close out the series.

     

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    Instead of folding, TNT responded with one of its grittiest performances of the conference.

     

    Behind a collective effort, the defending champions secured a 98-90 victory to level the series and force a winner-take-all Game 7 on Wednesday.

     

    The win not only kept TNT’s championship hopes alive but also highlighted the resilience that has defined its postseason run.

     

    Now the focus shifts to recovery.

     

    With the series tied and a championship hanging in the balance, Reyes said both Oftana and Ganuelas-Rosser remain uncertain for the decisive finale.

     

    The TNT coach classified both players as game-time decisions for Game 7, leaving the defending champions hopeful that reinforcements could return when the season reaches its final chapter.

     

    After surviving one elimination game without them, TNT now waits to see if its wounded warriors can answer the call one last time.

     

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  • Calvin Oftana shrugs off sideline exchange with Chot Reyes, focuses on TNT’s Game 4 response 

    Calvin Oftana shrugs off sideline exchange with Chot Reyes, focuses on TNT’s Game 4 response 

    Calvin Oftana insisted there was no issue between him and TNT head coach Chot Reyes following their animated fourth-quarter exchange during the Tropang 5G’s 116-102 loss to Barangay Ginebra in Game 3 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.


    The moment quickly caught attention after Reyes was seen standing and shouting toward Oftana following a turnover with TNT attempting to trim Ginebra’s lead late in the game.

     

    But the veteran forward clarified after the contest that the incident was simply part of the accountability expected within the team.

     

    “Normal naman ‘yun sa team eh, na pagsabihan ako. Sabi ko nga, ‘Nagkamali, Coach, nagkamali.’ Pero normal ‘yun, nirerespeto ko ‘yung Coach ko,” Oftana said.

     

    The exchange stemmed from a costly possession in the closing minutes when Oftana tried to force a pass to Chris McCullough. The ball was intercepted by Justin Brownlee, resulting in a momentum-killing turnover as TNT sought to rally from a 22-point deficit.

     

    Reyes immediately voiced his displeasure from the sidelines, while Oftana responded as cameras captured the interaction.

     

    Shortly afterward, Oftana was substituted out with 2:58 remaining and replaced by Rey Nambatac. He returned in the final minute, but by then Ginebra had already secured control of the game.

     

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    The turnover was one of three committed by TNT in the final five minutes, a stretch that ultimately derailed any hopes of a late comeback.

     

    Rather than distancing himself from the mistake, Oftana openly acknowledged his role in the sequence.

     

    “Maganda lang din diyan, doon kayo magkakaintindihan talaga e. Yung mali ko inaako ko, nag-turnover ako tapos converted, nagra-run na sana kami,” the 30-year-old said.

     

    The difficult finish capped an uncharacteristically quiet night for Oftana, who managed just two points after erupting for a season-high 31 points and 10 rebounds in TNT’s Game 2 victory.

     

    His sharp drop in production mirrored TNT’s struggles as Ginebra tightened its defense and took command en route to the 14-point win before 18,000 fans.

     

    Still, Oftana is already looking ahead rather than dwelling on what went wrong. With the Tropang 5G seeking to level the Finals once again, the former NCAA MVP said his focus is firmly on bouncing back in the pivotal Game 4 on Wednesday.

     

    “Hindi araw-araw, Pasko. Masama ‘yung tulog ngayon. Sabi ko nga sa inyo, ganda ng tulog ko last game,” Oftana said.

     

    For TNT, a quick recovery will be crucial and for Oftana, Game 4 presents an opportunity to put both the turnover and the sideline exchange behind him while helping the Tropang 5G regain momentum in the championship series.

     

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  • Calvin Oftana looks beyond final play as TNT searches for answers after Game 1 loss to Ginebra 

    Calvin Oftana looks beyond final play as TNT searches for answers after Game 1 loss to Ginebra 

    In the aftermath of TNT’s heartbreaking Game 1 defeat to Barangay Ginebra, much of the attention centered on the final 0.6 seconds.

     

    The Tropang 5G had one last opportunity to erase a two-point deficit after Justin Brownlee’s game-winning jumper. A well-designed inbounds play gave Calvin Oftana a chance to receive an alley-oop pass from Jordan Heading, but the attempt never materialized as Brownlee disrupted the play and preserved Ginebra’s 102-100 victory.

     

    For many, that final sequence became the defining moment of the opener.

     

    For Oftana, however, the loss was decided much earlier.

     

    While the veteran forward admitted he felt contact on the last play, he refused to pin the result on a whistle that never came.

     

    “Alam ko may foul talaga eh, pero point-six seconds na lang yung time, talagang glimpse of an eye na lang yung nangyari. Talagang dinraw ni coach yung play na yun,” Oftana said.

     

    “Ganun talaga, pero mahaba pa naman yung series, so move forward na lang and adjust sa Game Two,” he added.

     

    Instead of dwelling on the controversial finish, Oftana pointed toward the opening stages of the game where TNT spent most of the night trying to recover from its own mistakes.

     

    Ginebra stormed to an 18-point lead and dictated the pace early, forcing the defending champions into catch-up mode. Although TNT eventually erased the deficit and even threatened to steal the victory late, the uphill battle proved costly.

     

    According to Oftana, the damage had already been done long before the final possession.

     

    “Mas maiisip mo yung first half namin. Ang sama din kasi, dami naming turnovers. They’re making their shots. Kami naman, dami namin mali,” Oftana said.

     

    “So mga ganoon bagay yung unang pasok pa lang, first quarter, second quarter, yun yung pinaka-importante.”

     

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    The numbers backed up his assessment.

     

    TNT committed 15 turnovers compared to Ginebra’s 10, repeatedly giving away possessions that allowed the Kings to build confidence and establish control. The Tropang 5G also struggled to find rhythm offensively in the early stages, forcing them to expend significant energy mounting a comeback.

     

    Oftana himself was unable to impose his usual influence on the game. The three-time champion finished with 12 points but attempted only seven shots across 40 minutes while also committing three turnovers.

     

    Despite the disappointment, TNT can draw some encouragement from the way it fought back after trailing by as many as 18 points. The defending champions nearly completed the rally before Brownlee delivered another signature clutch moment for Ginebra.

     

    Now, the focus shifts from what could have been to what comes next.

     

    Rather than replaying the final sequence, Oftana and TNT are concentrating on correcting the issues that placed them in that situation in the first place as they prepare for Game 2 on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    For the Tropang 5G, the lesson from the Finals opener is clear: the last play may be remembered, but the first half may have cost them the game. 

     

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  • Calvin Oftana reveals TNT’s honest talk with Bol Bol sparked playoff turnaround 

    Calvin Oftana reveals TNT’s honest talk with Bol Bol sparked playoff turnaround 

    For most teams, playoff preparation usually revolves around scouting reports, film sessions, and tactical adjustments.

     

    For TNT Tropang 5G, it began with something far less comfortable — honesty.

     

    According to Calvin Oftana, TNT temporarily set basketball aside before its do-or-die clash against NLEX Road Warriors and instead confronted the issues that had quietly followed the defending champions throughout the conference.

     

    “Nag-usap kami as a team,” Oftana revealed after TNT’s 118-112 quarterfinal victory Saturday night at the Ynares Center.

     

    “Walang viewing, wala lahat. Instead na mag-viewing kami, nag-open forum kami kung anong problema sa amin internally.”

     

    The conversation became especially important because it did not exclude import Bol Bol — the player around whom much of TNT’s system now revolves.

     

    Rather than tiptoeing around frustrations, the Tropang 5G veterans addressed everything directly with the former NBA big man.

     

    “In-open up namin kung ano ‘yung problema namin kay Bol, ano ‘yung pananaw niya sa team, kung gusto niya ba kami sa team or gusto ba namin siya sa team, mga ganung bagay,” Oftana shared.

     

    For Oftana, what mattered most was how receptive Bol turned out to be.

     

    “Siyempre, you need to open up yourself naman sa kanya; ang maganda kay Bol, in-accept niya as a brother. Doon kami nagkasundo lahat.”

     

    The discussion eventually centered on one recurring theme: trust.

     

    TNT’s local core — led by Oftana, Roger Pogoy, and Jayson Castro — wanted Bol to rely more on the players around him instead of carrying the offense alone.

     

    “Sinabi lang namin na, ‘Bol, kailangan mo ipasa rin minsan.’”

     

    “Sinabihan talaga namin! Kasi sabi nga ni Coach (Chot Reyes), ‘You need to trust these locals,’” Oftana added with a laugh.

     

    The timing of the breakthrough proved perfect.

     

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    After struggling to establish chemistry during the elimination round, TNT suddenly looked far more connected in the playoffs. Bol still delivered monster numbers with 35 points and 13 rebounds in the knockout win, but the locals thrived alongside him instead of simply orbiting around his talent.

     

    Pogoy finished with 21 points, Oftana added 20 markers of his own, while Castro continued stabilizing the offense with veteran poise.

     

    More than the statistics, however, Oftana believes TNT finally discovered the balance it had been searching for all conference long.

     

    “We started rough sa conference na ‘to and right now, we’re looking good in our own way, na nakukuha na namin ‘yung rhythm namin with Bol. And Bol is looking pretty good surrounded by us,” he said.

     

    Oftana admitted the team also feels motivated to maximize what may be a short-lived partnership with one of the most talented imports to ever enter the league.

     

    “Siyempre motivated kami; siyempre ayaw naming umalis agad si Bol na ganito lang. And kami rin naman.”

     

    Now heading into the semifinals against Meralco Bolts, TNT suddenly appears more dangerous not because its stars changed individually, but because the defending champions finally started functioning like one complete unit.

     

    “It’s up to us na mga locals na to help him up, para makayod namin ‘tong semifinals to the Finals,” Oftana said. 

     

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  • Calvin Oftana disheartened by first PBA ejection as TNT rallies behind Bol Bol’s 50-point explosion 

    Calvin Oftana disheartened by first PBA ejection as TNT rallies behind Bol Bol’s 50-point explosion 

    A stunning individual performance and a rare setback for Calvin Oftana defined TNT’s gritty 97-92 escape over Titan Ultra in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center.


    While TNT extended its streak to three wins and improved to 5-2, the night took an unexpected turn just minutes into the contest when Oftana was ejected for the first time in his professional career. 

     

    The 30-year-old forward logged only two points and one rebound before being assessed a Flagrant Foul Penalty 2 at the 4:53 mark of the opening quarter, with TNT trailing 13-15.

     

    The incident occurred during a contested attempt, when Oftana, caught in a double team, inadvertently struck rookie Mark Denver Omega in the face on the follow-through. 

     

    Officials reviewed the play and upgraded the contact, resulting in an automatic ejection—marking the first such infraction of his PBA career.

     

    “It wasn’t intentional. Hindi naman nakasara yung kamay ko kapag tumitira ako. It just so happened, pag land ng kamay ko, naka-closed fist siya and natamaan siya sa mukha,” said the former San Beda MVP.

     

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    “Kahit nga F1 wala naman ako, e. Napa-isip na rin ako nung hindi pa tinatawag kasi nga closed fist daw. Pero siyempre hoping pa rin ako na sana technical or F1 lang kasi wala naman akong previous record e,” the Cebuano forward stated.

     

    Clearly shaken, he apologized to his teammates at halftime. “I really felt bad and I said sorry to the team,” he shared.

     

    With Oftana sidelined, TNT found its answer in a monster outing from import Bol Bol, who erupted for 50 points, 17 rebounds, and four assists to carry the Tropang 5G through a physical and tightly contested finish. 

     

    Oftana, meanwhile, could only watch from the dugout, following the game on his phone as TNT clawed its way to victory—an ending that brought him visible relief after his abrupt exit.

     

    Looking ahead, TNT braces for its next assignment against the Converge FiberXers on April 22 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, aiming to sustain momentum in the standings.

     

    Amid lingering buzz about potential opportunities overseas, including reported interest from the Korean Basketball League, Oftana remains grounded. The Gilas Pilipinas mainstay reiterated his commitment to TNT, honoring a contract that runs through 2027 while keeping his focus firmly on the ongoing conference.

     

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  • “I respect my contract”: Calvin Oftana reaffirms commitment to TNT amid interest from South Korea

    “I respect my contract”: Calvin Oftana reaffirms commitment to TNT amid interest from South Korea

    Calvin Oftana continues to solidify his status as one of the most versatile forwards in Philippine basketball, with the TNT Tropang Giga and Philippine Basketball Association standout drawing increasing attention from overseas clubs amid his rising profile for both club and country.

     

    The 30-year-old has emerged as a key figure for both Gilas Pilipinas and TNT, thanks to his two-way impact, perimeter shooting, and ability to guard multiple positions. His consistent performances have not gone unnoticed internationally, with his agent PJ Pilares recently confirming that teams from South Korea have expressed interest and are actively pursuing a potential signing.

     

    Despite the growing buzz around a possible overseas move, Oftana has made it clear that his immediate focus remains with TNT, emphasizing professionalism and commitment to his current contract.

     

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    “I respect my contract. I respect my team. Kailangan ko i-honor yun as a professional player. Happy lang ako na may mga ganung pangyayari sa buhay ko. As of now, focused ako sa conference na ito at sa all throughout ng contract ko,” Oftana said in a media interaction.

     

    While he acknowledged the attention coming from abroad as a positive sign of his development, Oftana stressed that he is not rushing into any decisions and remains fully locked in with his current campaign.

    “Hindi natin alam, di ba? Kasi hindi natin alam yung panahon. As of now, focus ako sa Talk ‘N Text kasi napamahal na ako dito. Sabi ko nga kay boss PJ, siya na bahala sa kung anong meron sa labas. Pero internally, dito ako sa Talk ‘N Text,” he added.

     

    Oftana’s rise has been steady and well-earned. A standout during his collegiate years with the San Beda Red Lions in the NCAA, he was selected third overall by the NLEX Road Warriors in the 2021 PBA Draft. After a brief stint with NLEX, he was traded to TNT, where his career has since flourished.

     

    Since joining the Tropang Giga, Oftana has become one of the franchise’s most reliable two-way wings, contributing to multiple championship runs and establishing himself as a core piece of their long-term plans. His achievements include three PBA championships, the 2025 PBA Order of Merit, the 2024 PBA 3-Point Shootout (Guards division) title, and multiple All-Star selections, underscoring his rapid ascent in the professional ranks.

     

    Beyond the numbers, TNT values Oftana’s versatility and maturity on both ends of the floor—traits that have also made him a valuable asset for Gilas Pilipinas in international competitions. His ability to stretch defenses, defend bigger wings, and provide consistent scoring has made him one of the most trusted options in the national pool.

     

    While interest from South Korea signals growing recognition of his talent on the Asian stage, Oftana remains measured about what comes next, prioritizing stability and growth within TNT’s system for now. Still, the possibility of an overseas stint remains open-ended, depending on future opportunities and timing.

     

    As the current PBA season continues, Oftana’s focus will be on helping TNT chase more championships, while his long-term trajectory—both in the Philippines and potentially abroad—will be one of the more closely watched storylines among Filipino basketball talents in the years ahead.

     

     

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  • Calvin Oftana cautions against high expectations for TNT import Bol Bol

    Calvin Oftana cautions against high expectations for TNT import Bol Bol

    The arrival of Bol Bol has instantly made TNT one of the most talked-about teams ahead of the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    But for Tropang Giga forward Calvin Oftana, the presence of the 7-foot-3 former NBA big man doesn’t automatically translate to a championship repeat.

     

    Speaking on the sidelines of the PBA All-Star Weekend, Oftana stressed that reputation alone won’t decide the outcome of games once the conference begins.

     

    “Hindi naman porke ganito yung import ninyo, ganun ang import ninyo,” said Oftana.

     

    “Pagdating naman kasi sa laro iba na yung mindset nun. Lahat gustong manalo.”

     

    The Gilas Pilipinas forward admitted he has yet to spend much time on the court with Bol as he was busy with national team duties during the recent FIBA World Cup qualifiers before turning his attention to rehabilitating an ankle injury.

     

    Because of that, Oftana said he hasn’t been able to fully gauge where the towering reinforcement currently stands in terms of conditioning.

     

    “So far OK naman siya pero sabi nga nila wala raw sa kundisyon,” he said.

     

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    Fortunately for TNT, the team still has time to build chemistry before opening its campaign. The Tropang Giga are scheduled to play their first game of the conference on March 20 against Rain or Shine.

     

    Despite the attention surrounding Bol’s arrival, Oftana shared that the South Sudanese-American has kept a low-key presence within the team.

     

    “Approachable naman siya, pero mahinhin,” said the former NCAA MVP from San Beda.

     

    “Pero ganun naman ang mga import. Dati si Rondae (Hollis-Jefferson) ganun din naman. Pero kalaunan nung naglalaro na kami, nakukuha na namin yung loob niya. And napapatawa na siya ng mga kasama ko.”

     

    Even as TNT prepares to defend its crown, Oftana believes the road to another title will be far from easy.

     

    He pointed to several contenders who could stand in the way of the Tropang Giga’s bid, including powerhouse teams San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra, along with guest squad Macau Black Bears.

     

    “Maraming quality imports na dumating ngayon this conference,” Oftana admitted.

     

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  • PBA 3-point king Marcio Lassiter, defending champ Calvin Oftana headline PBA All-Star Shootout

    PBA 3-point king Marcio Lassiter, defending champ Calvin Oftana headline PBA All-Star Shootout

    The spotlight on shooting excellence will burn bright in Candon, Ilocos Sur as the PBA gathers some of the league’s deadliest perimeter threats for the Long Distance Shootout during the upcoming All-Star Weekend.

     

    Leading the stacked field are reigning Three-Point Shootout champion Calvin Oftana and San Miguel sharpshooter Marcio Lassiter, whose reputation as the most prolific three-point shooter in league history adds another layer of intrigue to the contest.

     

    Oftana enters the event with the confidence of a defending champion. The TNT forward captured the crown in the 2024 All-Star festivities in Bacolod City after outgunning Magnolia’s Paul Lee in the finals, cementing his status as one of the PBA’s most reliable marksmen.

     

    Sharing the stage with him is Lassiter, who etched his name in league history the same year by surpassing Jimmy Alapag as the PBA’s all-time leader in three-pointers made. Now 38, the veteran remains a dangerous long-range threat and will look to prove that his shooting touch remains as lethal as ever.

     

    The competition, however, will be far from a two-man duel.

     

    A deep cast of shooters will try to steal the spotlight, including Rain or Shine’s Andrei Caracut, Terrafirma guard Jerrick Ahanmisi, Titan Ultra’s Joshua Munzon, Phoenix playmaker Tyler Tio, Magnolia’s Zavier Lucero, and Blackwater scorer Sedrick Barefield.

     

     

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    NLEX’s Xyrus Torres, Meralco swingman CJ Cansino, Barangay Ginebra guard Ralph Cu, and Converge rookie Juan Gomez de Liaño also round out the lineup, each bringing their own shooting arsenal into one of the most anticipated side events of the weekend.

     

    Beyond the three-point spectacle, the league will also stage the Obstacle Challenge, a fast-paced contest designed to highlight speed, agility, and ball-handling among both guards and big men.

     

    Among the backcourt entries, NLEX star Robert Bolick and Barangay Ginebra rookie RJ Abarrientos headline the field. They will battle a competitive group that includes Gomez de Liaño, Tio, TNT’s Rey Nambatac, Ahanmisi, San Miguel’s Juami Tiongson, Titan Ultra guard Fran Yu, Rain or Shine rookie Felix Lemetti, Magnolia’s Jerom Lastimosa, Meralco veteran Anjo Caram, and rookie Dalph Panopio.

     

    The big men will have their own spotlight as San Miguel’s JM Calma returns to defend the Obstacle Challenge title he won two years ago in Bacolod.

     

    Back then playing for NorthPort, the 6-foot-6 big man topped Santi Santillan of Rain or Shine and Magnolia center James Laput in the finals to capture the crown.

     

    This time, Calma faces a deeper field that includes Laput, Barangay Ginebra veteran Japeth Aguilar, Converge center Justin Arana, Meralco’s Raymond Almazan, TNT forward Henry Galinato, NLEX’s Brandon Ramirez, Blackwater big man Abu Tratter, Terrafirma rookie Gian Chiu, Phoenix youngster Kai Balungay, Rain or Shine veteran Beau Belga, and Titan Ultra’s Damie Cuntapay.

     

    The PBA All-Star festivities are scheduled from March 6 to 8, promising three days of entertainment and skill showcases that will bring the league’s brightest talents together in Ilocos Sur.

     

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