TNT rookie Pogoy earns minutes with defense

Roger Pogoy. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Even Roger Pogoy was surprised that he was still on the court during crunch time of TNT’s 108-103 win over Ginebra on Sunday.

“I was surprised because we have so many veterans in our team, yet I’m still shocked that I was fielded during the crucial moments of the game,” Pogoy said.

But Pogoy wasn’t deployed for his offense, but rather, he was placed to shadow Ginebra playmaker LA Tenorio, who already had 27 points, during those tense final minutes.

“The coaches told me to deny LA and contain him. Coach Nash knew he’s a veteran, so he told me that as long as I’m in front of him, I’ve already did my job,” he said, as he held the veteran guard scoreless late in the game.

His defensive plays didn’t end there, with the rookie securing a crucial board in the final seconds of the game to secure the victory.

Pogoy, however, credited teammate Larry Fonacier for the rebound.

“He always reminds me that when I’m at the weakside, I have to get the rebound. I’m thankful that I got that crucial one.”

Overall, the former Far Eastern U shooter is thankful for the trust given to him by his coaches, as he finished with 15 points on a 3-of-6 shooting from threes, that went with three rebounds in the game against the Gin Kings.

“I’m thankful because they’re giving me the chance to play and I promised them that I won’t waste this opportunity and I’m always going to play my best,” he said.