Roger Pogoy still physically, mentally drained from PBA Finals loss

Roger Pogoy isn’t shy to admit that he’s still physically and mentally drained from the grueling 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals series between his TNT KaTropa and the San Miguel Beermen.

That best-of-seven title series between the long-time rivals – which got emotional both off and on the court – went as far as six games. The Beermen eventually won the crown last Friday.

“Sa totoo lang, pagod ako physically tsaka mentally.

“Drained talaga. Kung nanalo sana medyo bawi-bawi, pero talo eh,” said the 6-foot-2 swingman, who has now figured in two PBA Finals.

That Finals loss admittedly hurts. TNT already had a 2-1 lead, but folded as the series went on. Still, Pogoy isn’t dwelling on the defeat. For the third-year guard, he’s taking it as a learning experience.

“Sa totoo lang, ngayon ‘di ko na iniisip eh. Kasi tapos na yun eh. Yung mga learnings na lang na nakuha ko,” he said.

Pogoy is now moving on. And all that he cares about now is his duty with Gilas Pilipinas, which is now doubling up its preparations for the FIBA World Cup on August 31 in China.

Along with Troy Rosario and June Mar Fajardo, Pogoy returned to the national team Tuesday. The three missed Gilas practices for over two weeks due to their obligations to their mother teams.

“Ngayon talaga yung mind ko focused on Gilas,” Pogoy said.

“Maluwag na kasi isa na lang iniisip mo eh, Gilas na lang.”

The Far Eastern University product admitted that he still has to adjust to Gilas’ sets, especially now that some patterns have been tweaked. So now, he looks to work double-time to catch up.

“Yung mga plays medyo nakakalimutan, nalilito. So dapat talaga double effort kami para makuha.”