NCAA MVP Oftana enters PBA Rookie Draft

MOVE. Reigning NCAA MVP Calvin Oftana, who hails from Dumaguete City, is going to forgo his final year of college eligibility and will enter the 2021 PBA Rookie Draft. / FIBA
MOVE. Reigning NCAA MVP Calvin Oftana, who hails from Dumaguete City, is going to forgo his final year of college eligibility and will enter the 2021 PBA Rookie Draft. / FIBA

REIGNING NCAA MVP Calvin Oftana is going to skip his final year of eligibility for the San Beda Red Lions and will instead enter the loaded 2021 PBA Rookie Draft.

A 6-foot-6 forward who hails from Dumaguete City, Oftana rose to prominence in NCAA Season 95 where he led the Red Lions to a spectacular 18-0 start before losing to Letran in the finals. He was eventually named the league’s MVP on the strength of his phenomenal averages of 15.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 blocks.

Oftana’s impressive play also caught the eye of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), which gave him a spot on the Gilas team that competed in the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers. He played in the second game of the two-game set against Thailand and wowed fans with his all-around numbers of nine points, four rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block in the Gilas’ 93-69 victory.

“I am now taking off my red and white jersey to begin a new chapter in my basketball career. San Beda University has molded me to become a better man, and I’ll carry those lessons with me through the rest of my life on and off the court,” Oftana said.

The soft-spoken forward is expected to be picked early in the draft and is a shoo-in for the Gilas Pilipinas draft, should that push through.

Oftana is currently inside the Inspire Sports Academy, training with the Gilas Pilipinas for the third and final leg of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers. (JNP)

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