Despite no longer being his coach, Blackwater chief tactician Nash Racela still keeps tabs on Roger Pogoy.
And when asked about his favorite player to watch in the league — outside of his team — the youthful tactician did not hesitate.
“Siyempre, Pogoy! I love Roger,” shared Racela.
For the last three years of his collegiate career in Far Eastern University, Pogoy flourished under one coach — Racela.
The two were inseparable, with Racela later handling Pogoy in TNT from 2016 to 18. Pogoy averaged 11.49 points in his rookie year and 12.56 a year later.
But TNT then let go of Racela.
This year, Pogoy has gone supernova, averaging 22.83 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.0 steals in six games played.
“He set the tone early for TNT, that’s why they’re gaining so much momentum in the bubble. I like how he developed such consistency in his game on both ends,” said Racela as his former ward has led TNT to a 5-1 slate.
For Racela, he feels happy that the swingman has finally made the leap. And if Pogoy continues to play this way, he believes that Pogoy will be the next face of the franchise once Jayson Castro retires.
“Probably the discipline and the focus he has now is the biggest change. He is blessed to have a kuya and a mentor in JC. To witness and work with him day in and day out is something that Roger has been taking advantage of,” he said.
“For sure, he will soon be the leader of his team.”
