The PBA Philippine Cup Finals are proving yet again that the San Miguel Beermen are so formidable that opposing teams will need all hands on deck if they are to have a chance against the defending champs. So, if it’s any consolation for the TNT Tropang 5G, one of their main men, RR Pogoy, has returned from his hamstring injury and is hell-bent on helping TNT conquer the mighty Beermen.
Importantly, Pogoy says he’s pain-free but is still groping for basketball form.
“Wala namang sakit na, kulang lang talaga sa laro kasi two weeks lang tapos nilaro ko na,” said Pogoy after TNT’s heartbreaking 95-89 loss to San Miguel in Game 3 on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
After missing the first two games of the PBA Finals, Pogoy returned to action for TNT in Game 3. He scored 4 points in 17 minutes and looked to be moving well.
Not Fully Healed, but This Is for the Championship
While Pogoy said he’s pain-free, he admitted that his injured hamstring isn’t necessarily fully healed just yet. It’s just improved enough that he can manage it and play with it. And this being a battle for the All-Filipino crown, Pogoy himself decided he’ll be playing—100% or not.
“Ako na mismo nag-decide na ilalaro ko. Finals na kasi kaya sabi ko ilalaro ko na ito,” added the former FEU Tamaraw.
Pogoy’s decision to return to action is a timely one. TNT needs all of its weapons against this loaded San Miguel squad, and the former Gilas Pilipinas mainstay happens to be one of the Tropa’s best weapons on both ends.
TNT and its star guard will look for the equalizer on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena after a much-deserved two-day break for both teams.
