Leaving the Lions' Den: Calvin Oftana Joins 2021 PBA Rookie Draft

The uncertainties in collegiate basketball continue to cloud the future of college players particularly those who are supposed to play their final year of eligibility. And with no clear picture as to how leagues such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) can be played this year amid the ongoing 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, more and more senior players have opted to forego their final year and join the 2021 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Rookie Draft.

The latest to join an already deep draft class is Calvin Oftana of the San Beda Red Lions.

Oftana is the reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) and has already played for Gilas Pilipinas in last year's second window of the 2021 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Asia Cup qualifiers in Manama, Bahrain. 

In an Instagram post, Oftana said, "When I first entered the walls of San Beda six years back, I was just a lanky boy, excited, determined but at the same time, scared of the new reality. Scared of being away from home and from my comfort zone. Scared that I won't be able to adapt to the new culture but thankfully, the San Beda community welcomed me and I found a family away from home. I'm forever grateful to be a part of the mighty Red and White school"

In his final run in the NCCAA where San Beda swept the elimination round but fell to the Letran Knights in the finals, Calvin Oftana averaged 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and a  block in 25 minutes. He shot 52% from the field including 43% from the three-point line. 

Photo is from ESPN