San Beda University's Calvin Oftana is one of the few collegiate standouts tapped to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the November window of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup continental qualifiers.
He is the reigning Most Valuable Player of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), so fans might think that Oftana would easily handle his duty for the flag.
However, the King Lion admitted that he felt pressured to be part of the national team.
"Playing for the country is a big factor po kasi mahirap," Oftana told GMA News Online in a media conference. "Maraming tao ang nanonood, mataas ang pressure."
The San Beda veteran said that he always needs to bring his A-game when donning the national colors.
Oftana certainly did not disappoint in the November window, scoring nine points, four rebounds, and four assists for Gilas.
He and fellow Bedan Kemark Cariño entered the Gilas bubble in Laguna over the weekend for their training for the next window which will be held in Clark.
For San Beda assistant coach Gyno Manuel, Oftana and Cariño are lucky that they can train with the national team as the Red Lions could only settle for online workouts amid the pandemic.
The Mendiola-based squad finished their NCAA Season 95 campaign as runners-up against champions Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Oftana and the rest of the Red Lions will be out for redemption in the upcoming season, which will be broadcast on GMA Network. —MGP, GMA News
