Calvin Oftana will not return for the San Beda Red Lions as he has decided to pass up on his final playing season in the NCAA to join the PBA Draft.

As confirmed by a source to Rappler and as first reported by Tiebreaker Times, the multifaceted Oftana has decided to become a part of one of the deepest draft classes in recent years.

Oftana ended his NCAA career with a Most Valuable Player award after posting averages of 15.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 blocks in the elimination round of Season 95.

The Red Lions reached the NCAA Finals with Oftana in the lead but they fell short of the grand prize against rivals Letran Knights.

His entry raised the chances of the PBA staging another special draft for Gilas Pilipinas as Oftana joins fellow national team cadets Will Navarro and Jaydee Tungcab in the list of draft hopefuls.

Last year, Gilas Pilipinas drafted Isaac Go, Rey Suerte, Matt and Mike Nieto, and Allyn Bulanadi.

The 5 continue to be part of the national team pool, with the squad gearing up for the third and final window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers.

Oftana showed flashes of brilliance in his Gilas Pilipinas debut against Thailand in November, putting up 9 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal in a 24-point win. – with reports from JR Isaga/Rappler.com