CALVIN Oftana's health issue could get in the way of his stint with Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Cup.
Head coach Tim Cone admitted the TNT forward has yet fully healed from the sprain in both his ankles which he suffered during the just concluded PBA Philippine Cup finals against San Miguel, jeopardizing his availability for the August 5-17 meet in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
While Oftana briefly joined the team in its Pampanga training camp and showed up during Gilas Pilipinas' friendly against the Macau Black Bears Monday night, nothing is cast in stone for the one-time NCAA MVP from San Beda.
"We were given a medical report from his camp. We're not sure if he's going to be available for the whole tournament," said Cone after the national team's 103-98 comeback win over the Black Bears at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Gilas head coach stressed the team will tackle the health situation of Oftana before it leaves for Jeddah on Wednesday.
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But Cone added, Troy Rosario and RJ Abarrientos are both waiting in the wings in case Oftana won't be healthy enough to play.
On whether the 29-year-old forward will be going with the team to the Middle East for the Asia Cup, Cone said it's a 50-50 proposition.
"I don't want to preempt anything at this point," said the veteran mentor. "That's something we need to talk to him about, the MVP Group about, and see exactly how he's feeling."(RG)
