Calvin Oftana reflects on TNT’s remarkable journey to reclaim the PBA Governors Cup title after overcoming significant challenges. The 28-year-old player credits the team’s training camp in Cebu City last July as a crucial foundation for their success, enabling them to defeat the formidable Barangay Ginebra in the finals.
“Before the conference, our week-long camp in Cebu really strengthened our team,” Oftana shared. Key players, including Best Import Rondae Hollis Jefferson and veteran leader Jayson Castro, demonstrated their commitment to leading the Tropang Giga in their championship defense.
Despite being the top seed heading into the playoffs, Oftana acknowledged internal struggles within the team. “We faced many ups and downs, but we remained focused on our goal to win the championship.”
TNT triumphed over NLEX in the quarterfinals (3-1) and eliminated Rain or Shine in the semifinals (4-1), setting up a rematch with Barangay Ginebra. Although they won the best-of-seven series 4-2, Oftana emphasized that the path to victory was not easy.
“It wasn’t a straightforward championship. People thought we would sweep after going 2-0, but we stayed composed when it was tied 2-2,” he explained.
In the title-clinching game, Oftana contributed eight points, four rebounds, and three assists, securing his second PBA championship in just two finals appearances. Overcome with emotion, he expressed pride in finishing the series at Smart Araneta Coliseum, a venue synonymous with their brand.
Oftana credited the collective effort of the entire TNT organization—management, coaching staff, players, and dedicated fans—for their successful title defense.
#TNT #PBA #Championship #CalvinOftana #TropangGiga #GovernorsCup #Basketball #Victory #Espionage #Teamwork
