Together with the coach, the Red Lions also promised that they will still support Oftana all the way.

“He already sacrificed a year when he decided to stay in San Beda for another run to reclaim the title. But with the pandemic postponing the season last year and since we’re not sure if there will be a season this school year 2020-21, I believe Calvin will have to weigh all of these things as he makes his decision,” Fernandez shared to Spin.ph.

The NCAA Season 95 Seniors Basketball Most Valuable Player is still uncertain on whether to play out his final year at San Beda or officially submit his application for the upcoming PBA Rookie Draft and go pro.

Those considerations are further highlighted after the Dumaguete native’s standout performance with Gilas Pilipinas during the second window of the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers in Manama last November.

Many basketball enthusiasts believe that whether or not Oftana gets included in the planned Gilas round in the draft proper, the Red Lion’s standout is a sure first-round selection if he decides to join the March 14 draft.

Fernandez admitted that he has yet to talk to Oftana about his plans.

“Di pa kami nakakapag-usap nang masinsinan ni Calvin about his plans,” he said. “It is not my right to tell Calvin what he should do because this is his life and his career, but I can only advise him on what are the ifs, buts, and whys.”

Oftana certainly can pick up a thing or two from Fernandez, who is an 11-year PBA veteran in his own right who had been a part of Sta. Lucia, Alaska, Pop Cola, and Purefoods.

Fernandez and Oftana being together in the Gilas Pilipinas training bubble at Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba is a great opportunity, so the coach can give his player a broader insight on where he wants to take his career.

“At the end of the day, he’s the one who will have to decide for his own because this is his life,” said Fernandez. “But for now, Calvin is still a part of the Red Lions and he will still be a part of the lineup until he files his application and gets drafted in the PBA.”