Calvin Oftana and CJ Perez ruled out for the remainder of 2025 FIBA Asia Cup

Gilas Pilipinas has suffered a major personnel blow ahead of its upcoming 2025 FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinal clash against Australia, as it was confirmed that the team will be without two key players—Calvin Oftana and CJ Perez—for the game and likely the remainder of the tournament.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) recently announced that both players have been ruled out due to ankle injuries sustained during the Philippines’ last two games of the tournament.

Oftana, who entered the competition under an injury cloud, reinjured his right ankle during Gilas’ 66-57 win over Iraq in their final Group D game. The forward aggravated the injury in the fourth quarter and had to be helped off the court after getting tangled with an Iraqi player near the free-throw line.

SPEEDY RECOVERY ❤️‍🩹🇵🇭

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas extends its well wishes to Gilas Pilipinas players CJ Perez and Calvin Oftana, who both sustained sprained ankles in the team’s recent games in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.#GilasPilipinas #AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/5e6JbpAAdT

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) August 12, 2025

Perez, meanwhile, suffered his injury during a freak incident in their victory over hosts Saudi Arabia. With 5:52 remaining in the second quarter, the guard lost his balance while trying to recover a loose ball, causing his right ankle to collide with Saudi Arabia’s Ali Shubayli. The 31-year-old had to be taken off the court in a wheelchair.

The SBP confirmed in a statement that Gilas will dedicate their quarterfinal clash against Australia to the injured duo, honoring them for their commitment to the national team.

“The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) wishes a speedy recovery for CJ Perez and Calvin Oftana after they suffered sprained ankles in our last two games here in Jeddah. We appreciate their selflessness and willingness to serve, jumping straight into Gilas duties after competing in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals. Thank you for your service. We will continue to battle for you,” the statement read.

It’s worth noting that both Oftana and Perez had just come off a grueling PBA Philippine Cup campaign, which concluded two weeks ago. The duo played in the Finals series representing the TNT Tropang Giga and San Miguel Beermen, respectively.

Gilas will look to rally in honor of the injured players when they face Australia in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on Wednesday, August 13.

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