There’s a glimmer of hope that Roger Pogoy can still join Gilas Pilipinas for the upcoming FIBA World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers in Manila.
The two-way specialist remains listed as day-to-day due to his calf injury, though head coach Chot Reyes said that he could start running by next week — the period where the global tilt will take place at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Pogoy has been present in national team practices but isn’t taking part. He’s focusing on strengthening sessions, according to the mentor.
“He’s not participating at all,” Reyes offered. “He’s doing a lot of strengthening work and we’re taking a look. I think he can start running next week.
“Hopefully, he gets healed in time for the FIBA window.”
The 29-year-old isn’t listed in the 21-man Gilas’ preliminary pool that rolled out Tuesday, although changes could still take place within its composition. The roster, moreover, will be chopped down to 15 before the Feb. 24-28 meet.
Pogoy is highly expected to be part of the Tropang Giga-backed Gilas for the qualifying window, where the team will face South Korea twice as well as India and New Zealand in between in a grueling schedule.
But while there’s optimism with his chances of being included in the Nationals, Reyes said that they are ruling Pogoy out for Friday’s PBA Governors’ Cup meeting with defending champions Barangay Ginebra.
Photo by PBA Images
That marquee match-up will be TNT’s last before focusing full-time in its preparations for the Asian Qualifiers.
“Definitely for our games here, he’s not gonna make it on Friday,” he said.
“As I said, it’s a day-to-day thing. Hopefully, he’ll be better next week.”
Pogoy has sat out the Tropa’s last three games, including Wednesday night’s skid-snapping 96-81 win over San Miguel Beer.
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