'Pataasan nalang ng willpower': Calvin Oftana to give all for TNT in despite injury

MANILA – TNT Tropang 5G forward Calvin Oftana said they won't let their injuries hinder them in their quest to achieve a historic grand slam. 

During the PBA Philippine Cup finals press conference on Friday, Oftana said they will give it their all despite being hounded by the injury bug this conference. 

"Siyempre it’s up to the players, yung willingness na magtrabaho sa team nila. Siguro pataasan nalang ng willpower siguro lalo na sa team namin marami kaming iniinda pero yun nga lumalaban parin kami sa lagat ng nangyari sa team namin. We’re gonna take one game at a time," he said.

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Oftana is among the TNT players nursing injuries alongside guards RR Pogoy, Rey Nambatac and Jayson Castro, as well as big man Kelly Williams.

Pogoy said his recovery is going well but his status for Game 1 will be determined on Saturday. TNT head coach Chot Reyes said Williams remains doubtful and remains a day-to-day thing.

Oftana said he is using the championship as motivation to keep playing despite his ankle injury.

"Nandito na kami eh. Kung elimination pwede mong sabihin na pahingi mo muna. Pero sa playoffs dikdikan na yan eh. So kailangan mo i-give all lalo na sa finals. Kung anong nararamdaman ng bawat players they will play and they will give their all," he added.

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The TNT forward said they made use the short rest due to the extension of the San Miguel Beermen vs. Barangay Ginebra semifinals series to recuperate from their injuries.

"Siyempre magiging pisikal yan eh. Siguro we just gotta be ready physically and mentally. Mahirap pero kailangan ikayod eh," Oftana said.