TNT’s Pogoy calls faster return to action a miracle
MANILA – TNT gunner Roger Pogoy considers it as a miracle that he was able to return to action during the Tropang Giga’s final elimination round game in the 2023-2024 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
According to the former Far Eastern University Tamaraws guard, he was glad to be able to return to basketball action quickly after being told to rest for six months due to myocarditis.
“Una kasi sabi ng doctor six months, so miracle talaga kaya salamat kay Lord. Kasi nagpa- MRI ako ulit, wala ng nakita. Talagang miracle kasi pinaaga Niya,” Pogoy said.
Pogo y’ s inaugural Commissioner’ s Cup appearance saw him tally 11 points, three rebounds, and three assists during TNT’s 11696 win over Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters last Sunday.
The 31- year- old Pogoy shared that he was devastated when he was diagnosed with the ailment after his Gilas Pilipinas stint in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, which was held in the Philippines.
“Unang-una, na- shock, and na- down din (ako), kasi galing lang ako sa World Cup. Highest level of basketball galing ako dun, tapos biglang down and
hindi ako makasali sa Asian Games,” Pogoy said.
“Pero wala akong magawa, andiyan na ‘yan. Ang ginawa ko nag- pray na lang ako. Sabi ko kay Lord, ‘Ikaw na ang bahala sa akin. Kung pabalikin Mo ako, kung ano ang plano Mo, basta tiwala lang ako sa Iyo,” he added.
Tropang Giga head coach Jojo Lastimosa, for his part, said he was also happy to have Pogoy back as he will be a vital piece in the Tropang Giga’s quarterfinals match against the top-seed Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots.
“We’re just happy seeing him play for a while there. Akala namin s i Roger matatagalan siya. First prognosis was six months that he would be out. But he’s back after three months, and that’s great news for all of us,” Lastimosa said.
“It’s a welcome sight having Roger back. It’s not only ( great) from a career standpoint, but just for Roger being healthy again,” he added. “Whatever happens to us right now is just going to be a bonus.”/