Coach Tim Cone on Tuesday in Manila said Calvin Oftana will miss Gilas Pilipinas’ games against Guam in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Nov. 28 and Dec. 1, as a hamstring injury will sideline the forward for the upcoming window.
Cone said the Gilas coaching staff decided to rule Oftana out of the two-game series to allow him to recover fully. He explained that the injury occurred before the national team entered its final preparations for the Guam games and that medical staff recommended rest and rehabilitation.
The coach said he and his assistants already adjusted the rotation and game plan to address Oftana’s absence. He noted that Gilas will rely on other wings and forwards to take over the minutes and responsibilities that Oftana normally handles on offense and defense.
Cone said the coaching staff evaluated several lineup scenarios after it received the medical update and then finalized the roster for the Guam window without Oftana. He added that the team will focus on maintaining continuity in its system and will stress ball movement and collective defense in the series.
He stated that Gilas will continue to monitor Oftana’s recovery and will coordinate with his professional club on his rehabilitation program. Cone said Oftana will rejoin national team practices only after doctors clear him for full basketball activities.
He added that the current roster will use the Guam games to strengthen chemistry and build depth for future windows of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers. Cone said he already informed the players of Oftana’s status and urged them to increase their effort and focus in training as Gilas pursues better positioning in the Asian Qualifiers.