ANTIPOLO – it’s going to be an extra special PBA All-Star stint for Roger Pogoy.
The TNT star couldn’t be any more blessed to have been called up for the highly-anticipated All-Star Game in Bacolod next weekend, as it marks yet another highlight in his comeback from a career-threatening myocarditis.
“Sobrang special ‘to kasi coming from myocarditis, nakalaro ako, tas napabilang sa All-Star. Sobrang blessed talaga,” he said. “‘Yun naman ‘yung ano ng mga players, ‘di ba? ‘Yung makasama ka sa All-Star, iba rin ‘yung dating.”
Pogoy wasn’t part of the top 29 vote-getters for the midseason extravaganza’s main event, but was brought in as a replacement for Tyler Tio. The Phoenix main man remains out after suffering a slight fracture on his left ankle.
The 31-year-old, though, wasn’t able to commit right away due to a minor groin injury, although he informed the league that he’ll be good to go should he finish their Season 48 Philippine Cup encounter against San Miguel Sunday.
Pogoy did so. He even logged heavy minutes (36:20) off the bench and tallied 15 points, seven rebounds, a pair of assists, and a steal, although his efforts weren’t enough to help the Tropang Giga pull off an upset, 91-89.
Still, he’s all set for Bacolod, where he’ll be joining the team of captain Japeth Aguilar that also features faces so familiar to him — from TNT teammate Calvin Oftana and fellow FEU Tamaraw Terrence Romeo, to name some.
Christian Standhardinger, Paul Lee, Jamie Malonzo, Chris Newsome, Don Trollano, Marcio Lassiter, Arvin Tolentino, Maverick Ahanmisi, and Stanley Pringle, most of whom were his teammates in Gilas, are in the squad as well.
“Sinabihan ko sila na injured kasi ‘yung groin ko, sabi ko kung makalaro ako, makatapos ako kalaban San Miguel, mag-All Star ako. Nakatapos naman. ‘Yan, kasama ako sa All-Star,” said the seven-year pro.
Pogoy is now bound for his fifth All-Star appearance and aside from how special this means to him, the Cebuano guard can’t wait to enjoy the entire trip to the City of Smiles — from mingling with the fans to exploring local cuisine.
“Sobrang saya mapabilang sa All-Star,” he said.
