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Gilas Loses Calvin Oftana To Hamstring Injury Ahead Of Guam Matches
Photo credit: PBA
MANILA, Philippines — Gilas Pilipinas will be without one of its most dependable forwards this month as Calvin Oftana has officially begged off from the national team’s upcoming FIBA World Cup Qualifier games against Guam due to a hamstring injury.
Coach Tim Cone confirmed the development after Gilas’ first practice at the Blue Eagle Gym on Tuesday, saying the TNT wingman will be sidelined longer than initially hoped.
“He's already begged off, and apparently he's gonna be out three to four weeks, which takes him past Guam,” Cone said.
Oftana already missed TNT’s 91–89 loss to Rain or Shine last Saturday, Nov 15, in Cagayan de Oro. Subsequent medical evaluations showed he will not recover in time for the national team window.
His absence leaves a noticeable gap in Gilas’ rotation, as he has been a key contributor in Cone’s system. With Oftana out, Cone now needs to select a replacement from within the 18-man pool.
Gilas recently added Converge rookie Juan Gomez de Liaño and former UP center Quentin Millora-Brown to strengthen the roster. Both took part in Tuesday’s practice, along with former Ginebra forward Jamie Malonzo.
“We'll need to fill him with somebody. That's why we have some extra guys here,” Cone said. “We'll figure out who that guy will be later on as the week progresses.”
Gilas faces Guam on November 28 and December 1 as part of the first window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Coach Tim Cone confirmed the development after Gilas’ first practice at the Blue Eagle Gym on Tuesday, saying the TNT wingman will be sidelined longer than initially hoped.
“He's already begged off, and apparently he's gonna be out three to four weeks, which takes him past Guam,” Cone said.
Oftana already missed TNT’s 91–89 loss to Rain or Shine last Saturday, Nov 15, in Cagayan de Oro. Subsequent medical evaluations showed he will not recover in time for the national team window.
His absence leaves a noticeable gap in Gilas’ rotation, as he has been a key contributor in Cone’s system. With Oftana out, Cone now needs to select a replacement from within the 18-man pool.
Gilas recently added Converge rookie Juan Gomez de Liaño and former UP center Quentin Millora-Brown to strengthen the roster. Both took part in Tuesday’s practice, along with former Ginebra forward Jamie Malonzo.
“We'll need to fill him with somebody. That's why we have some extra guys here,” Cone said. “We'll figure out who that guy will be later on as the week progresses.”
Gilas faces Guam on November 28 and December 1 as part of the first window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Nov 19, 2025
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