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Roger Pogoy prioritizes TNT over injury

Roger Pogoy has no plans to sit out Game 5 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup, despite re-aggravating his hamstring injury.

The TNT winger feels determined to suit up for the do-or-die Game 5 this Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, provided the pain eases.

“‘Di ko lang alam kung papayag sila. Pero kung ako, ‘pag wala lang talaga, ‘pag ma-feel ko na walang sakit, lalaro ako,” he told reporters moments after their 110-87 mauling of San Miguel at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

The Tropang 5G did equalize the best-of-7 series at two games apiece following the dominant win, but that came at a price after Pogoy got hurt again.

He went down in pain at the 10:40 mark of the second quarter when he tried to go after the loose ball against Beermen counterpart Jericho Cruz.

The 33-year-old did not return to the game, recording six points — all from three-point range — along with two rebounds and an assist.

“Nung nag-agawan kami ng bola ni Jericho, pag yuko ko, na-stretch ‘yung hamstring,” recalled Pogoy, who played for just seven minutes.

Concern immediately arose for TNT as one of their stars continues to play through the pain — by his own choice, refusing to sit out helplessly.

Pogoy has been hurt since Game 4 of their semifinal series versus Meralco last January 11 and only returned to action in Game 3 of the title bout.

“Hindi pa talaga ako fully healed,” he admitted.

“Pinilit ko lang naman talaga kasi gusto ko talaga maglaro. Ayoko iwanan yung team ko na sila lang maglalaro, tapos ang sakit ng pagkatalo nung Game Two.

“Kaya nung Game Three… Tinanong pa nga ako ni Coach Chot, ‘Ano ba, kaya mo? Baka bumigay ‘yan.’ Sabi ko, ‘Oo kaya Coach, laro ko ‘to.’ Ako talaga. Ako nagpilit talaga na gusto ko maglaro,” he continued.

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And he could still be competing on Friday, depending on his situation. But what if the coaches and team doctors tell him otherwise, he was asked.

“Pag-usapan namin,” Pogoy said with a chuckle.

Written By

Oftentimes on the sidelines. Forever a student of the game. Morayta-bred.

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