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| Calvin Oftana sat out Gilas' send-off game against Macau and could also miss the FIBA Asia Cup. Joseph Sanvictores |
QUEZON CITY--The wear and tear of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals could take a toll on Calvin Oftana Gilas Pilipinas-wise as the national team is now looking at the possibility of playing in the FIBA Asia Cup without the TNT swingman.
Gilas head coach Tim Cone revealed on Monday night that Oftana aggravated his ankle injury during the championship series between the Tropang 5G and eventual champions San Miguel Beermen, featuring national team comrades June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez as well as Guam international Jericho Cruz, the Finals MVP.
"We're not sure about Calvin. The medical reports say that he might be out a little bit longer so far that we've gotten," Cone said after Gilas' win against the Macau Black Bears in a special send-off game on Monday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum ahead of the FIBA Asia Cup.
Oftana injured his ankle in Game 4 of TNT's semifinal series against Rain Or Shine, but he decided to play through the pain the rest of the series and the championship round against SMB.
"We're not sure if he's gonna be available for the tournament. We're gonna try to address that tomorrow," Cone further said.
Oftana, who still attended the friendly but did not play at all along with Fajardo, declined to entertain questions from reporters regarding his injury status.
If Oftana would eventually be ruled out, Cone will likely activate either Troy Rosario or RJ Abarrientos for the FIBA Asia Cup.
"We have Troy and RJ sitting in the wings to step in if necessary," Cone further said.
Interestingly enough, Rosario did not play too in Gilas' send-off game against Macau.
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