Calvin Oftana is stepping in as the 12th and final player on the Gilas Pilipinas roster for the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, replacing Justin Brownlee.
Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone said Oftana is set to arrive on Wednesday afternoon and could immediately join the team’s practice in preparation 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 said in a Viber message to Fastbreak.
The TNT Tropang Giga forward had been part of the team’s list of potential players but his availability remained uncertain while he dealt with injuries.
Cone said Oftana has since returned to TNT practice and has been cleared to play.
“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 familiarity with Gilas’ system and his previous experience with the national team during the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers should allow him to quickly integrate with the squad.
“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.
Gilas will begin its Asian Games campaign against Bahrain on Sept. 11. (Adrian Co)
