TNT Tropang 5G guard RR Pogoy is one of the best defenders in the PBA today. But even he knows the enormity of the task at hand: guarding Barangay Ginebra San Miguel legend Justin Brownlee.
After TNT evened the Finals series at one game apiece, Pogoy spoke to Rebanse about the degree of difficulty of his defensive responsibilities for the team.
“Sobra, pinakamahirap na trabaho sa PBA siguro pagbabantayin ka ni Justin Brownlee,” he said.
Pogoy Playing His Role
More than just contributing on offense, the former Gilas Pilipinas shooting guard has been tasked with guarding Brownlee for most of the series so far, with Chris McCullough usually put on JB only in the fourth quarter.
“Pero andiyan naman ako, ’yan naman talaga ang trabaho ko sa Talk N’ Text na depensa talaga,” Pogoy noted.
In Game 2, the former FEU Tamaraw finished with 10 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist while limiting Brownlee to 41% from the field as he went 10-of-24 from the floor. He also committed 2 turnovers.
A Defensive-Minded TNT Tropang 5G
According to Pogoy, Chot Reyes and the Tropa emphasized defense more rather than worrying too much about their offense after they dropped Game 1. This, according to the 2017 PBA Rookie of the Year, was the biggest adjustment TNT made from Game 1 to Game 2.
“Siguro ’yung defense namin, nasunod namin ’yung mga game plan namin kaya ayun maganda ’yung laro,” said Pogoy.
Sticking to the Game Plan
Heading into Game 3, Pogoy vowed that the team will continue following Reyes’ instructions and stick to its game plan no matter what happens to avoid repeating the mistakes it made in the series opener.
“Focus lang sa game plan, susundin lang talaga game plan ni Coach Chot kasi nung Game 1 kasi, hindi namin nasunod kaya tinambakan kami,” said Pogoy.
When Game 3 tips off this Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena, TNT’s defensive anchor will once again be relied upon to lead his team in making life difficult not only for Justin Brownlee but for the rest of the Gin Kings.
