MANILA – Gilas Pilipinas has filled the final vacancy in its Asian Games roster, tapping Calvin Oftana to replace injured naturalized star Justin Brownlee just days before the national team opens its campaign in Nagoya, Japan.
Gilas head coach Tim Cone confirmed that Oftana will serve as the squad’s 12th and final player after recovering from injuries that had earlier cast doubt on his availability for the continental competition.
“Calvin Oftana is stepping in as our 12th man. He is arriving this afternoon, we hope in time to make our practice schedule today,” Cone told Panay News in a Viber message.
The TNT Tropang 5G forward had been among the players considered for the Asian Games roster, but the national coaching staff initially could not count on him because of concerns over his health.
Cone said Oftana has since returned to TNT practice and received clearance to play, paving the way for his late inclusion in the Gilas lineup.
“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 said.
Oftana’s addition gives Gilas another versatile wing who can provide size, outside shooting and scoring as the Filipinos prepare to compete without Brownlee.
Cone expects the 6-foot-5 Oftana to make a smooth transition despite joining the squad close to the start of the tournament, citing his familiarity with the national team’s system and his previous stints with Gilas during the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
“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,” Cone said.
Brownlee had earlier remained a possibility for the last roster spot but was eventually ruled out as he continued to deal with hamstring and leg injuries.
With Oftana completing the 12-man lineup, Gilas can now turn its full attention to its Asian Games campaign.
The Philippines opens its group-stage assignment against Bahrain on Sept. 11 before facing Kazakhstan on Saturday night. Gilas wraps up the preliminary round against China on Monday./PN
