Calvin Oftana takes off with Gilas as Asia Cup nears

Calvin Oftana and the Gilas Pilipinas men’s basketball team departed for Saudi Arabia on Wednesday as part of their preparation for the upcoming FIBA Asia Cup.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) shared images on social media showing the team at Terminal 1 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Among those seen traveling were key players Justin Brownlee, June Mar Fajardo, Scottie Thompson, CJ Perez, Dwight Ramos, Chris Newsome, and AJ Edu.

Troy Rosario and RJ Abarrientos, both named to Coach Tim Cone’s 16-man training pool, were not part of the group that left for Saudi Arabia.

The team is expected to conduct training sessions and tune-up games in the lead-up to the regional tournament.