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NCAA MVP Calvin Oftana latest to join PBA draft

NCAA Season 95 Most Valuable Player Calvin Oftana is the latest big name to join a stacked PBA Rookie Draft class.

Titan Management Group's PJ Pilares confirmed the news and said the 25-year-old forward has already submitted his papers Monday.

The 6-foot-5 Oftana will forgo his final year of eligibility with the Red Lions and is one of the most talented frontcourt prospects in a draft pool already brimming with talent from all positions.

Oftana anchored the Red Lions in Season 95 and averaged 15.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 blocks while helping his team sweep the elimination round with an 18-0 record.

While San Beda was only able to manage a runner-up finish behind Letran, this didn't deter Oftana from earning a call-up from Gilas Pilipinas for the second window of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers last November.

Oftana played one game and averaged nine points, four rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block in just 15 minutes of action to help the national team complete a two-game sweep of Thailand in a 93-69 win.

"I am happy that Calvin already decided for his future and I fully support his decision 100%. As what I've always said, we will be forever grateful to Calvin," said San Beda head coach Boyet Fernandez.

"I believe it's time for him to look out for himself and his family as well. Joining the PBA is the first step. As for the Red Lions, the departure of Calvin will leave a big hole in our line-up," he continued. "It will be tough, it will take time, but we will find ways to fill it up."

Oftana is currently with the rest of the GIlas training pool inside the bubble in Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba, Laguna to compete for a roster spot for the team that will play South Korea and Indonesia in the third and final window of the tournament next month.

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