PBA star Roger Pogoy vows to return from heart condition
Roger Pogoy supports alma mater FEU during a UAAP game against Ateneo at Mall of Asia Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Roger Pogoy vows to come back stronger as he recovers from myocarditis, a heart muscle inflammation, that will sideline him for six months.
After playing for Gilas Pilipinas in the Fiba World Cup 2023, Pogoy found out that he has a rare heart condition after feeling exhausted, which is unusual for him, and undergoing medical tests.
“Sobrang nag-worry ako kasi yun nga, bakit ang lakas lakas ko ng World Cup? Tapos biglang ganun,” the Gilas Pilipinas maintay told reporters as he witnessed his alma mater Far Eastern University beat Ateneo in overtime, 66-61, in the UAAP Season 86 on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
(I was really worried because I felt great during the World Cup and then this happened.)
“Basta ako, tiwala lang talaga kay Lord kasi alam ko may plano siya sa akin e. Kaya yun lang talaga pag-asa ko, kay Lord talaga saka sa family.”
(But I know the Lord has a plan for me and I trust him. The Lord and my family give me hope.)
The TNT Tropang Giga star said he is not allowed to do physical activities for six months but he assures that this setback won’t stop him from working his way back to playing basketball.
Roger Pogoy at the Fiba World Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
“Wala namang gamot, pahinga lang muna talaga. Hihintayin mawala. So mga six months siguro. Babalik ako. After six months, babalik ako. Lalaro ulit,” Pogoy said.
(I’m not required to take any medicine. I just need to rest and wait for it to go away in about six months or so. I’m going to come back. After six months, I’m going to be back playing again.)
“Sa lahat ng fans, thankful ako grabe yung suporta nila sa akin. And ipa-promise ko talaga na babalik ako,” he added.
(I’m thankful for all the support I’ve been getting from the field and I promise them that I will be back.)
The 31-year-old Pogoy is grateful for the support that he’s been receiving from his PBA team TNT, coaches, and teammates.
“Full support talaga sila. Inaalagaan talaga nila ako… Thankful talaga ako kaya sila nagbigay ng lakas din sa akin. Family ko, mga fans ko, mine-message nila ako, at sa lahat. Alam ko, laki ng tiwala ko kay Lord e. May plano talaga si Lord so alam kong makakabalik ako. Tiwala lang ako kay Lord,” Pogoy said. “Binisita ako ni coach Nash [Racela] sa bahay. Nagme-message silang lahat sa akin. So ayun, nakaka-overwhelm talaga.”
For now, Pogoy will cheer his teams including Gilas, which recently won a historic gold medal in the Asian Games after 61 years.
“Sobrang happy ko kasi yun nga, nag-gold tayo. Nasayangan lang din kasi hindi ako nakasama, so pero ganun talaga. Sa buhay talaga di mo alam kung anong mangyayari so tiwala lang talaga sa Panginoon,” he said.
