PBA: Returning Roger Pogoy sparks TNT victory

TNT swingman Roger Pogoy during a game against Phoenix in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Playing in his first game in three months, Roger Pogoy was still understandably getting his rhythm and timing back.

But that didn’t prevent Pogoy, who was sidelined due to a heart condition, from making an impact for TNT in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday.

“With Roger, this is his first game in three months and his energy was infectious. Roger being Roger, if he can’t score, he will play defense the whole night… It’s a welcome sight to have Roger back,” said TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa after a 116-96 win over Phoenix at Philsports Arena on Sunday.

Roger Pogoy.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“We’re just happy to see him play again.”

Pogoy had 11 points on 4-of-12 shooting from the field with three rebounds, three assists and two steals to boot in 20 minutes off the bench to help the Tropang Giga secure the final quarterfinals seat.

But what’s more impressive is the fact that Pogoy, who was diagnosed with myocarditis, was able to come back in just three months.

“For a while, we thought Roger would take a long time to return. The first prognosis was six months. He was going to be out for six but he’s back in three months and that’s great news for all of us. Not only from a career standpoint but just for Roger being healthy again. Whatever’s going to happen to us right now, it’s just going to be a bonus,” Lastimosa said.