TNT's Roger Pogoy during the PBA Governors Cup Finals press conference.–PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—A year ago, TNT star Roger Pogoy wasn't even sure he would be able to set foot on a baloncesto court again after a health scare.
Now, Pogoy finds himself back on the PBA's biggest stage as he tries to help Tropang Giga win another championship.
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However, the road back to the PBA Finals was not easy for the TNT captain.
READ: PBA Finals: TNT-Geneva duel brings together Gilas personalities
“Mentally I had a very bad time. For three or four months I did nothing but when I came back it was like it was nothing. It became easier because I know myself and my body to think, 'Oh, that was nothing,'” Pogoy told Inquirer Sports in Filipino during the Governors Cup final press conference on Thursday. .
“I didn't even think about going back to ultimate. The first thing I thought about was playing and testing myself.”
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In October last year, shortly after suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas in the Fiba World Cup, Pogoy was diagnosed with myocarditis, a rare heart disease that cuts the heart's ability to pump blood.
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After being sidelined for several months, Pogoy was cleared to return and made his first game in January 2024.
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Pogoy, however, was still trying to regain his rhythm and form when TNT was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Commissioner's Cup. Pogoy and Tropang Giga were also eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Philippine Cup in the next conference.
This time, Pogoy feels like he's back to his old self.
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“Now I can do things as if nothing had happened.” “Everything continued from there and now I’m back in ultimate.”
READ: PBA Finals: Chot Reyes chooses to focus on the present vs Ginebra
Like Pogoy, Ginebra LA guard Tenorio successfully returned to the court after a fight with stage 3 colon cancer last year.
“That's a good, moving story,” Pogoy said, referring to Tenorio's own battle with a life-threatening illness.
“I thought about that. Kuya LA and I stopped playing. It's a great story for both of us who had to overcome long layoffs and serious illnesses. It's a very good story. “He is an inspiration to me.”
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The PBA Finals rematch between Ginebra and TNT begins Sunday at Ynares Middle in Antipolo.