He can do pretty much everything now, though.
Slowly but surely, RR Pogoy is trying to reach full strength in time for the FIBA World Cup in Manila this August.
Shelved for three months due to a pinky injury, Pogoy has been training with Gilas Pilipinas since the team returned from its training camp in Europe to intensify its preparation for the World Cup.
“Kakabalik ko lang sa 5-on-5 kahapon. Tine-tape ko lang kasi baka matamaan pero OK naman,” he said after Tuesday's practice at the Meralco Gym.
Pogoy, who inked a new multi-year deal with TNT Tropang Giga, admitted there’s still a twinge in his pinky.
But he can pretty much do everything now.
“Sa totoo lang, hindi pa talaga 100% pero kaya naman. Nakaka-shooting naman, nakaka-dribble,” he said.
None is happier than coach Chot Reyes with his return.
“Right now, it’s still baby steps for him, but we could already see immediately his effect. He had some good offensive plays and we all know how RR, how Roger plays defense,” he said.
“And that ups our defensive level immediately just by being here. Hopefully magtuloy-tuloy, still far from where he wants it to be with regards to his ability to shoot with his injured hand but like i said, baby steps.”
Will he join the team’s tune-up games in China this August? It’s all up in the air right now according to Pogoy.
“Ayun nga hinahabol ko rin. Sana makalaro ako, kasi ang hirap din, three months akong walang laro,” he said.
The FIBA World Cup kicks on August 25. Performers such as Sarah Geronimo and Ben&Ben will take center stage before Gilas takes on Dominican Republic.
(GM)