Of all the veterans expected to shine for TNT Katropa Sunday night, it was a 24-year-old rookie who shone the brightest among them.
Ever since his Far Eastern University heydays, Roger Pogoy has always been identified as a man with ice running through his veins — a lethal shooter whose shots can strike like a dagger right into the hearts of his opponents.
That was the Pogoy that every FEU student has known for the four years he stayed with FEU. But now that he’s in the pros playing for TNT, the six-foot-two gunslinger is bringing his killer instincts into the league.
And on Sunday night, the 2016 Gilas Draftee played like a man among men, helping TNT edge out San Miguel, 98-92, in the pivotal Game 3 of their semifinals affair and take a momentum-boosting 2-1 best-of-seven series lead.
In the victory, Pogoy scored a new career-high of 22 points spiked by six triples — three of it made in the final frame, with the last one coming in the 3:20 mark to help arrest a SMB hijack attempt, 92-86.
It was indeed a career game for Pogoy, whose outing was not just reminiscent of the way he played for the Tamaraws over a year ago, but also came at the best time possible for the Katropa — in the Philippine Cup semifinals.
But for Pogoy, the credit does not only go to himself, but rather to teammate Jayson Castro, whose slashes inside the lane attracts SMB’s defense, thus leaving the shooters outside with enough space.
“Pumapasok lang yung mga tira ko sa labas kasi nagco-collapse sila kay kuya Jayson,” said Pogoy moments after the match. “Lahat ng lusot ni kuya Jayson collapse sila kaya libreng-libre ako.”
However, outings such as this is not something Pogoy aims to do every game. His primary focus still remains on one facet, and that is to play his part on defense.
“Yun palaging sinasabi ni coach Nash na at first talaga, depensa ako, second na lang yung offense. Buti naman nag-improve na yung opensa ko, pero ini-improve ko talaga first is yung depensa. Yun ang role ko sa team eh,” said the native of Minglanilla, Cebu.
For the last three games, the rookie has been providing noteworthy numbers for the Katropa. He is now averaging 13 points by shooting 40.9 percent from distance to go along with 6.3 rebounds and 1.3 dimes.
For the 2016 SEABA gold medalist, he is nothing but grateful with the way he’s playing, saying that he’s blessed that he is given this opportunity to display his wares for TNT
“Sobrang blessed kasi bihira lang yung rookie na ganito, maganda yung laro tapos konting push na lang mag-Finals na. Sobrang blessed lang,” the Gilas cadet said.
Aside from giving credit to the team’s veterans, Pogoy also thanked head coach Nash Racela — also his college mentor — for this chance he is relishing, and for the confidence bestowed upon him.
“Tagal na kasi kaming magkasama ni coach Nash, yun din nagbigay ng kumpiyansa sakin kasi binibigyan niya ako ng minutes. Tapos tinutulungan din ako ng mga beterano na ‘wag kang mahiya, ‘wag kang matakot,” shared Pogoy, who has played under Racela since 2012.
And Pogoy is hoping to bring the same tenacity come Game Four.
