Calvin Oftana looks beyond Gilas setback after difficult Asian Games campaign

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 08, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Asian Games

Calvin Oftana returned to the PBA with a strong performance, but the disappointment of Gilas Pilipinas’ Asian Games campaign remains fresh for the national team forward.

Oftana admitted there were regrets after the Philippines failed to defend its men’s basketball gold medal in the 2026 Asian Games, particularly after the team was eliminated in the group stage.

The Philippines opened the tournament with an 89-85 loss to Bahrain before bouncing back against Kazakhstan. Its campaign, however, ended after a heavy 105-61 defeat to China, preventing Gilas from advancing to the next round.

Despite the early exit, Oftana said he remains proud of the team for representing the country and giving everything it could on the international stage.

The TNT player was a late addition to the Asian Games roster after Justin Brownlee was unavailable to join the squad. He responded with a strong tournament, averaging 18.6 points per game and scoring 31 points in the opening game against Bahrain.

Oftana also finished the campaign as the Philippines’ lone double-digit scorer against China, producing 13 points despite the team’s 44-point loss.

Rather than dwell on the result, Oftana said the experience gave him another opportunity to wear the national colors and play alongside his fellow Filipinos.

His return to the PBA also provided a positive turn after the Asian Games. Playing his first game of the conference for TNT, Oftana exploded for 31 points and six rebounds in a 116-92 victory over Terrafirma.

After dealing with calf and foot injuries during the previous conference, Oftana said he was simply grateful to be back on the court healthy.

For the 30-year-old forward, the Asian Games may have ended differently from what Gilas hoped for, but the chance to represent the Philippines remains something he values.