It’s not just TNT who suffered a huge blow due to Roger Pogoy’s injury.
Gilas Pilipinas will also not have the services of the 3-and-D specialist for the upcoming 32nd Southeast Asian Games next month.
“Yung SEA Games, wala.
“Hindi talaga ako aabot sa SEA Games talaga. Sabi na rin ni Coach Chot (Reyes) na hindi aabot,” said the 30-year-old Cebuano, who was part of last year’s team that settled for silver in Hanoi.
Pogoy fractured his right pinky last Friday during Game 3 of the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup Finals.
The Far Eastern University product recalled that he already hurt his finger during the third quarter of the game but still played through it that might have caused further damage.
“Nung third quarter nung last game, sinundot ko yung bola kay Christian tapos umilag siya so yung kamay ko dumiretso sa ribs niya. Napalakas yung sundot ko kaya nabali. Bali talaga,” recalled Pogoy, who still played 36 minutes in the game that saw TNT bow to Ginebra, 103-117.
“Pinilit ko talaga kahit nung third quarter pero every hawak ko ng bola, sa one to ten, ten talaga. Pero tinapos ko pa rin yung game. After nung laro, dun ko naramdaman na sobrang sakit talaga.”
Pogoy was averaging 12.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in the series.
Pogoy will have further testing on his finger on Monday. And will be then when it will be determined where he will have his surgery.
“Bukas magpapatingin kami sa hand specialist. Titignan kung dito or abroad yung surgery,” he said.
Sadly for Pogoy, it might take months before he can fully recover.
“Gustong-gusto ko sana maglaro lalo nung nakita ko yung crowd kanina, ang sarap maglaro. Yun lang talaga, disgrasya talaga,” he lamented.
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The 2023 PBA Governors Cup Finals is live-streamed on SMART Sports.