“I respect my contract”: Calvin Oftana reaffirms commitment to TNT amid interest from South Korea

Calvin Oftana continues to solidify his status as one of the most versatile forwards in Philippine basketball, with the TNT Tropang Giga and Philippine Basketball Association standout drawing increasing attention from overseas clubs amid his rising profile for both club and country.

The 30-year-old has emerged as a key figure for both Gilas Pilipinas and TNT, thanks to his two-way impact, perimeter shooting, and ability to guard multiple positions. His consistent performances have not gone unnoticed internationally, with his agent PJ Pilares recently confirming that teams from South Korea have expressed interest and are actively pursuing a potential signing.

Despite the growing buzz around a possible overseas move, Oftana has made it clear that his immediate focus remains with TNT, emphasizing professionalism and commitment to his current contract.

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“I respect my contract. I respect my team. Kailangan ko i-honor yun as a professional player. Happy lang ako na may mga ganung pangyayari sa buhay ko. As of now, focused ako sa conference na ito at sa all throughout ng contract ko,” Oftana said in a media interaction.

While he acknowledged the attention coming from abroad as a positive sign of his development, Oftana stressed that he is not rushing into any decisions and remains fully locked in with his current campaign.

Calvin Oftana says his main priority is with TNT and the PBA amid recent talk regarding offers to play in the Korean Basketball League | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/HBPFSpKrCO

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“Hindi natin alam, di ba? Kasi hindi natin alam yung panahon. As of now, focus ako sa Talk ‘N Text kasi napamahal na ako dito. Sabi ko nga kay boss PJ, siya na bahala sa kung anong meron sa labas. Pero internally, dito ako sa Talk ‘N Text,” he added.

Oftana’s rise has been steady and well-earned. A standout during his collegiate years with the San Beda Red Lions in the NCAA, he was selected third overall by the NLEX Road Warriors in the 2021 PBA Draft. After a brief stint with NLEX, he was traded to TNT, where his career has since flourished.

Since joining the Tropang Giga, Oftana has become one of the franchise’s most reliable two-way wings, contributing to multiple championship runs and establishing himself as a core piece of their long-term plans. His achievements include three PBA championships, the 2025 PBA Order of Merit, the 2024 PBA 3-Point Shootout (Guards division) title, and multiple All-Star selections, underscoring his rapid ascent in the professional ranks.

Beyond the numbers, TNT values Oftana’s versatility and maturity on both ends of the floor—traits that have also made him a valuable asset for Gilas Pilipinas in international competitions. His ability to stretch defenses, defend bigger wings, and provide consistent scoring has made him one of the most trusted options in the national pool.

While interest from South Korea signals growing recognition of his talent on the Asian stage, Oftana remains measured about what comes next, prioritizing stability and growth within TNT’s system for now. Still, the possibility of an overseas stint remains open-ended, depending on future opportunities and timing.

As the current PBA season continues, Oftana’s focus will be on helping TNT chase more championships, while his long-term trajectory—both in the Philippines and potentially abroad—will be one of the more closely watched storylines among Filipino basketball talents in the years ahead.

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