There is no such thing as a day without work for June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, and Calvin Oftana because the veterans be part of Gilas Pilipinas shortly after a grueling PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup finals sequence between San Miguel and TNT.
Fajardo and Perez of the Beermen and Tropang 5G sniper Oftana are shifting their full consideration to nationwide group duties with Gilas Pilipinas’ 2025 FIBA Asia Cup preparations already underway.
The trio is coming off an exhausting All-Filipino finals duel.
Fajardo and Perez each performed essential roles within the Beermen’s title run, which allowed the franchise to seize its thirtieth total title and eleventh within the All-Filipino version. The Beermen additionally accomplished their redemption arc following a uncommon playoff absence within the Commissioner’s Cup.
Oftana was additionally big for an injury-hit TNT, which missed key gamers Jayson Castro, Rey Nambatac, Poy Erram, and Simon Enciso attributable to totally different accidents.
Nonetheless, Perez and Oftana usually are not fascinated about the fatigue as they appear to bolster Gilas Pilipinas within the continental event.
“‘Di mo maiisip ‘yung pagod pag nanalo ka eh. Pag nanalo ka talagang kahit na could susunod na sport, excited ka. Excited ka kasi para bayan, syempre matagal-tagal na rin tayong naglalaro para sa Gilas so I’m all the time excited para sa bayan,” Perez, who posted 24 factors, six assists, and three rebounds within the title-clinching Sport 6, mentioned.
“Minsan-minsan lang ito mangyari sa buhay kaya sinusulit ko na talaga hangga’t tinatawag pa talaga ako. I’m grateful and honored na i-represeng ‘yung nation.”
Sharing the identical sentiment, Oftana mentioned he’s embracing the once-in-a-lifetime probability to put on the flag on such a grand stage
“Mga gano’ng alternative kasi as soon as in a lifetime lang ‘yun e. It’s from the bosses and coach Tim din, and we have to serve our nation din. Para sa bayan,” the sharp shooter mentioned.
“I’ve to relaxation din kasi sabi nga nila, katawan namin ‘yung puhunan namin.”
Fajardo, Oftana, and Perez will rejoin a Gilas crew that already began its coaching led by head coach Tim Cone alongside different staple gamers like Justin Brownlee, Scottie Thompson, Dwight Ramos, Chris Newsome, Japeth Aguilar, and Kevin Quiambao.
Gilas will tackle Chinese language Taipei on August 6 earlier than slugging it out in opposition to New Zealand and Iraq on August 7 and 9, respectively.
Earlier than the Asia Cup showcase, Gilas will get a style of high-level competitors because it takes on the Macau Black Bears in a pleasant sport on July 28 on the Sensible Araneta Coliseum.
—JKC, GMA Built-in Information