Life’s about second chances, and Roger Pogoy has just been given one of his own.
With the end of his five-game suspension from that infamous brawl with Australia back in the third window of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers last July, the TNT KaTropa guard has made his way back to Gilas Pilipinas.
Last Tuesday, Pogoy was named to the Nationals’ 14-man training pool for the sixth window in February. Gilas face the heavy task of fanning the country’s World Cup hopes, as it took a hit in the previous window after going 0-2 on home soil.
But the former Far Eastern University standout will only be eligible to play versus Kazakhstan on February 24, as his suspension will end after their game against Qatar on February 22 – games that will both be on the road.
“Sobrang saya ko na nasali ulit ako sa pool,” expressed the Cebuano.
“Maipapangako ko na makatulong ako sa team at maiwasan na yung nangyari dati.”
Pogoy, however, returns to a program with plenty of new faces, from the coaching staff to the players. But for him, adjustments won’t be an issue, as he’s seen and played everyone in the PBA.
“‘Di ko sila nakasama pero nakalaro ko naman sila so madali lang mag-adjust. Alam ko na din yung mga laro nila,” said Pogoy, who’s now a third-year pro.
Pogoy’s return this time around is indeed more challenging. The last time he was with the national team, the country’s hopes of making it into the global showpiece were high, as Gilas had a 4-2 record at the end of the third window.
Now, Gilas sport a 5-5 card, and a loss in February would jeopardize the Filipino dribblers’ bid. Pogoy is aware of the risk, but the only thing he can promise is that he’ll give his best.
“Kahit ano pa ang standing ng Gilas, basta ang importante ibibigay ko yung best ko this coming window kapag ma-lineup ako,” vowed the 26-year-old.
