4 days ago
Fajardo, Perez, Oftana gear up for Gilas Pilipinas as FIBA Asia Cup nears
There is no time off for June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, and Calvin Oftana as the veterans join Gilas Pilipinas shortly after a grueling PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup finals series between San Miguel and TNT.
Fajardo and Perez of the Beermen and Tropang 5G sniper Oftana are shifting their full attention to national team duties with Gilas Pilipinas' 2025 FIBA Asia Cup preparations already underway.
The trio is coming off an exhausting All-Filipino finals duel.
Fajardo and Perez both played crucial roles in the Beermen's title run, which allowed the franchise to capture its 30th overall title and 11th in the All-Filipino edition. The Beermen also completed their redemption arc following a rare playoff absence in the Commissioner's Cup.
Oftana was also huge for an injury-hit TNT, which missed key players Jayson Castro, Rey Nambatac, Poy Erram, and Simon Enciso due to different injuries.
Still, Perez and Oftana are not thinking about the fatigue as they look to bolster Gilas Pilipinas in the continental tournament.
"'Di mo maiisip 'yung pagod pag nanalo ka eh. Pag nanalo ka talagang kahit na may susunod na game, excited ka. Excited ka kasi para bayan, syempre matagal-tagal na rin tayong naglalaro para sa Gilas so I'm always excited para sa bayan," Perez, who posted 24 points, six assists, and three rebounds in the title-clinching Game 6, said.
"Minsan-minsan lang ito mangyari sa buhay kaya sinusulit ko na talaga hangga't tinatawag pa talaga ako. I'm grateful and honored na i-represeng 'yung country."
Sharing the same sentiment, Oftana said he's embracing the once-in-a-lifetime chance to wear the flag on such a grand stage
"Mga gano'ng opportunity kasi once in a lifetime lang 'yun e. It's from the bosses and coach Tim din, and we need to serve our country din. Para sa bayan," the sharp shooter said.
"I have to rest din kasi sabi nga nila, katawan namin 'yung puhunan namin."
Fajardo, Oftana, and Perez will rejoin a Gilas crew that already started its training led by head coach Tim Cone alongside other staple players like Justin Brownlee, Scottie Thompson, Dwight Ramos, Chris Newsome, Japeth Aguilar, and Kevin Quiambao.
Gilas will take on Chinese Taipei on August 6 before slugging it out against New Zealand and Iraq on August 7 and 9, respectively.
Before the Asia Cup showcase, Gilas will get a taste of high-level competition as it takes on the Macau Black Bears in a friendly game on July 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
