Gilas pool stint chance to ‘learn, help’ for Belo, Pogoy

Terrence Romeo, Roger Pogoy and Mac Belo along with Gilas coaches Josh Reyes and Nash Racela. Photo by Mark Giongco

Mac Belo and Roger Pogoy are hoping to make the most out of their training with the country’s cream of the crop.

The two were the latest addition to the national team pool as practice players, joining Kiefer Ravena and Kevin Ferrer, who likewise are fresh out of their final collegiate playing year in the UAAP.

READ: Mac Belo trains with Gilas pool

“Happy and blessed,” said Belo in Filipino as reporters formed a semi-circle around one of the top young talents in the country after his first practice session with the national team pool Monday night. “This will really help me because I really want to expand my knowledge when it comes to basketball and at the same time, be with the best players in the Philippines.”

“Even though we’re just here as practice players, this is a rare experience and I’m very happy to be part of it,” said Pogoy, who observed at the sidelines with resting PBA stars LA Tenorio, Paul Lee and Jeff Chan.

Pogoy didn’t suit up due to a hamstring injury. He and Belo went straight to the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center in Ateneo from San Juan where they led their team to a win in the PBA D-League.

READ: Belo named Player of the Year as collegiate hoops’ best converge

Apart from widening their basketball knowledge, Belo and Pogoy are also more than willing to give a hand and help prepare the Philippine team in its buildup for the Olympic qualifying tournament this July.

“This is a big opportunity because I’m here to learn and to help. I want to improve because I still have a lot to learn,” said Belo, who, along with Pogoy, led Far Eastern University to its first UAAP title in 10 years three months ago