Hours after the announcement of the cancellation of the hosting of the third window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, reigning NCAA Most Valuable Player Calvin Oftana decided to submit his PBA Rookie Draft application on Tuesday.
And the former San Beda Red Lions stalwart is making himself available for the regular draft, and not the Gilas draft.
His agent, PJ Pilares, confirmed this to PBA Rush in a texted message.
“Calvin Oftana has submitted his draft application and he will join the regular draft,” wrote Pilares.
Like William Navarro, who submitted his draft application a few days ago, Oftana was given option whether to join the regular PBA draft or the special draft for Gilas players, but Pilares confirmed he’ll join the former.
With Oftana now a part of the regular roster of rookie hopefuls, he’s now throwing himself as a potential first round pick.
The 6’4” forward from Dumaguete has contemplated of joining the Rookie Draft as early as a few weeks ago, but remained uncertain as he has yet to talk with San Beda management.
With no clear indication on the resumption of the NCAA’s new season coupled by the cancellation of the third window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, joining the PBA Draft became a lot easier for the former San Beda team captain.
Oftana is among those expected to be picked high in the Draft along with other prospects like Alvin Joshua Munzon and Alvin Pasaol, the country’s top 3 x 3 players, former La Salle stalwart Jamie Malonzo and his 6’10” teammate James Laput, and 6’6” Navarro, also a member of the Gilas Pilipinas pool.