Roger Pogoy felt extremely blessed to have returned to action after fearing that his career may be in danger after being diagnosed with myocarditis.
The TNT star finally played his first game back on Sunday night, which he said was a miracle after the initial prognosis said that he could be out for six months.
Now recovered, he has come back ahead of time and received the warmest of welcomes by way of a 116-96 victory over Phoenix Super LPG to catch the last bus to the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals.
“Una kasi, sabi ng doktor, six months. So miracle talaga. Salamat kay Lord,” he told reporters moments after the match at the Philsports Arena.
“So talagang miracle ni Lord. Pinaaga niya. Kumpiyansa ka rin kasi nung pangalawang MRI, wala nang nakita,” he added.
Pogoy was all smiles in his return, and so was the whole Tropang Giga, happy to see him back in the fold after going through such an ordeal.
The 31-year-old felt relieved as well to have let go of his fears when he first heard the news about his heart condition, which had robbed him of some career opportunities – none bigger than the 19th Asian Games in China.
He was supposedly part of the lineup for the continental event as he and others were fresh off the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 back then.
“Unang una, na-shock tapos na-down din kasi galing ako sa World Cup noon eh. Highest level of basketball, galing ako doon, tapos biglang down,” he said.
“Wala akong magawa, nandiyan na ‘yan eh. Ang ginawa ko na lang is mag-pray talaga, sabi ko kay Lord na Ikaw na bahala sa akin. Kung pabalikin mo ako, kung anong plano mo, basta tiwala ako sa’yo,” he added.
His prayers were answered and after about four months – it could’ve actually been three but the team deemed it best to get his timing first.
Still, Pogoy found himself back on the court, doing what he loves the most.
The FEU Tamaraw admitted that he made it a point to play before the tilt ended but his comeback has now become even more important.
TNT is heading for the playoffs, where it faces the twice-to-beat Magnolia on Wednesday.
So, that gives him an added push to get back to his old self although he appears to be on the way, especially after finishing with 11 points on a 3-of-7 clip from deep, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 20 minutes.
“Sabi ko sa sarili ko na hindi matatapos ‘yung conference na ‘to na hindi ako makalaro. Kahit isang laro. Timing importante pa, kailangan manalo para makapasok sa playoffs. Magandang pagbalik,” said Pogoy.
