MANILA – TNT Tropang Giga winger Roger Pogoy will attempt to make a comeback during their 2023-2024 PBA Commissioner’s Cup game against Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters on Sunday, January 14.
According to Tropang Giga head coach Jojo Lastimosa, the team have decided to push back the return date of the Cebuano three-point gunner as he is still far from his game shape.
“Roger needs to get in better shape and build more leg strength. The Phoenix game is the target,” said Lastimosa in an interview following their 119-112 loss to Rain or Shine Elasto Painters recently.
Pogoy has previously attempted to make a comeback during the Tropang Giga’s Christmas Day game against defending champions Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings, but he was not activated for the game.
The former Far Eastern University Tamaraws standout was earlier ruled out for the rest of the import-laden conference after being diagnosed with myocarditis during the offseason.
Lastimosa, however, said that Pogoy has passed every medical test that he has undergone over the past weeks, paving the way for his upcoming return for the shorthanded Tropang Giga.
“May mga cardiologists na nag-check sa kanya. Every two weeks, mino-monitor pa rin si Roger pero ‘yung last niya na supposed to be na MRI, stress test, treadmill, lahat, he passed everything,” Lastimosa.
“We miss Roger now that Mikey (Williams) isn’t there, kaya at least papasok si Roger which is a consolation,” Lastimosa said. “He will be a good addition for us this conference.”
Pogoy averaged 18.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game last season for the Tropang Giga, which captured the PBA Governors’ Cup at the expense of the Gin Kings.
The Cebuano cager last played competitive basketball as part of the Gilas Pilipinas team in the 2023 FIBA World Cup before he was diagnosed with his ailment./PN
