‘Defensive player’ Roger Pogoy embracing bigger role as one of TNT’s main offensive weapons

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Roger Pogoy made a name for himself in college as Far Eastern University’s defensive specialist.

Now, Pogoy is making a career out of hitting buckets on top of his lockdown defense as one of TNT’s main options along with superstar guard Jayson Castro.

Pogoy admitted he’s still getting himself accustomed to his starring role on the offensive end.

“First of all, I’m feeling nervous being given that role because I started out at FEU as a defensive player and the offense is just secondary to me,” he said in Filipino. “But I take it as a challenge that coach is calling plays for me.”

The 26-year-old swingman, however, showed no signs of anxiety in the pressure-packed moments on Wednesday night as he led TNT to a narrow 85-80 win over NLEX.

With the Road Warriors threatening to take the lead, Pogoy buried a coldblooded 3-pointer that gave the KaTropa an 82-77 cushion with 44 seconds left before calmly sinking two free throws with a second remaining to put the game away.

Pogoy attributed his success to his extra work after practice.

“I double my effort in practice. Sometimes, when they rest, I still practice,” he said after scoring 20 points on 8-of-15 shooting and grabbing seven rebounds.

Pogoy, though, cleared that he plays just second fiddle to Castro, who remains as TNT’s go-to guy.

“I just wait in the wings for kuya Jayson because we all know that he can do everything. I just wait for my time.”