Calvin Oftana aims to solidify TNT Tropang Giga’s position as top contender for each conference

The athlete also shared his journey and what makes him strive to be better.

Calvin Oftana holds his trophy

Oftana in and outside the court

While celebrating their recent masterclass finals victory, TNT Tropang Giga's Calvin Oftana remains focused on future challenges. He also shared the significance of his second PBA championship and how it has elevated his game to new heights.

Syempre sweeter and mas masaya ngayon kasi noong first championship ko buntis pa lang yung asawa ko. Ngayon, nakikita na ng anak ko at naiintindihan na niya yung laro. Nakikita ko yung sigla niya at sila ng asawa ko yung naging inspirasyon ko. Sweeter yung championship kasi ang daming hirap na pinagdaanan ng team.

Deserving of the endearment of many ordinary Filipinos because of his candidness and humility, Oftana is finally reaping the fruits of his hard work even at times when the tide seems to be against him.

Naglalaro tayo para makapagbigay ng saya sa mga ka-tropa natin. I want the team to be a top contender for every conference. Gusto ko sana nakakapag-compete tayo sa taas or compete for the title each conference kasi hindi lang siya personal goal but I'm also doing it for my family, he said.

Looking back

Oftana was born in Cebu but raised in Siaton, Negros Oriental. The 6'5 sharp-shooting forward used to watch YouTube videos about shooting and dribbling when he shifted from track and field and volleyball to basketball as a teen athlete. Oftana scaled from the grassroots up, playing for Asian College-Dumaguete, which led to a stint with the San Beda Red Lions where he eventually won championships.

Calvin Oftana as part of PBA

Drafted 3rd by NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA back 2021, Oftana is the only pure-blooded Filipino in the PBA's 46th top 4 draft class alongside Joshua Munzon (1st pick overall), Jamie Malonzo (2nd), and Mikey Williams (4th).

Today, he is part of the TNT Tropang Giga.

I'm giving my 100 percent every opportunity na makalaro. Binubuhos ko yun. Sabi ko nga kung bibigyan ako ng chance ng teammates at coaches, I will give it my all para sa kanila, Oftana said.

Oftana is also a Gilas mainstay since 2020. He drained three triples in the early goings of the 2022 Asian Games vs Qatar and is part of that team that went on to win our first gold after 61 years.

While gearing up to represent the Philippines in the FIBA Asia Cup against New Zealand and Hong Kong, Oftana's mind is already on the upcoming PBA conference.

I don't want to say that 'TNT is onto becoming the next dynasty in the PBA,' but I can promise our supporters that I'm making my own path sa team. I'm trying to contribute sa history ng team, he said.

Still, Oftana would rather let his game do the talking. "I honestly don’t think about it [status in the PBA]. I'm just focused on what I can do for the team. In my head, yun ang binabayaran sa akin eh, yung maglaro nang maganda para manalo para sa mga ka-tropa, sa management, at para sa family ko."

What do you think guys?