The Grand Slam-seeking TNT Tropang 5G will surely benefit from the return of star RR Pogoy as they face the San Miguel Beermen in Game 1 of the PBA Finals.
There is significant progress in his recovery, but TNT guard RR Pogoy says his status for the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals remains up in the air.
After days of strengthening and shooting drills, Pogoy can finally jog — a positive development for the team that’s been hit with injuries to key players all season.
Whether he will suit up in the series opener on Sunday, July 13, remains uncertain.
“Kanina, first time kong mag-try mag-jogging. OK naman, wala naman akong napi-feel [na pain],” said Pogoy during the Finals presser Friday, July 11.
“Kaya sabi ng PT namin, tingnan natin bukas (Saturday) kung makapag-full sprint ako. Tingnan natin kung kaya.”
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He added that his hamstring still needs some work.
“Medyo mahina pa kasi two weeks din akong nagpahinga. Puro strengthening lang. [Ang concern] ko lang naman ay 'wag lang sumakit,” Pogoy said.
Pogoy suffered a left hamstring injury early in the best-of-seven semifinal series against Rain or Shine.
Even without him for most of the grueling series, the Tropang 5G managed to prevail over the Elasto Painters in six games — and for the third straight time this season.
But Pogoy knows he needs to be at full strength as TNT takes on SMB, a team yearning for redemption after ceding the title to Meralco last season.
“Sa San Miguel kasi, may June Mar Fajardo, may magagaling ka pang wingman. So ang daming poproblemahin talaga,” Pogoy said.
“Sanay na rin silang manalo. May experience na rin, eh. So sobrang hirap."
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The best-of-seven finale will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m.