Terrence Romeo, Roger Pogoy and Mac Belo along with Gilas coaches Josh Reyes and Nash Racela. Photo by Mark Giongco
Roger Pogoy just had his first run with the Gilas Pilipinas on Monday.
And how did it go for the young Cebuano from Far Eastern University?
“Nakaka intimidate, pero mababait naman sila,” Pogoy said after the team’s practice at Meralco Gym. “Kabado po, pero okay naman kasi tinuturuan naman nila [the senior members of the team] kami.”
Pogoy have attended the weekly practices of Gilas but has been only a spectator in his first two appearances.
Gilas Pilipinas cadets. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
His third time would be the charm as he finally got to run the floor but he was more likely to stay with his fellow youngsters during breaks.
Mac Belo and Russell Escoto, Pogoy’s teammates in FEU, and Kevin Ferrer, the man they beat in the UAAP finals, will usually find a vacant spot in the gym during down times in practice.
“Nakaka excite kasi nakakasabay naman po ako kasi yung mga play na ginagamit ni coach Tab [Baldwin] ay parang yung mga play din ng cadets,” Pogoy said.
Pogoy admits he still feels shy with the PBA players and he acknowledges his role as a humble reserve in the national team pool.