IMPRESSIVE DEBUT: Talisay City-native Roger Pogoy relishes professional debut with TNT KaTropa

Cebuano Roger Pogoy of TNT KaTropa splits the defense of Barangay Ginebra in his first game in the PBA (PBA IMAGES).

Playing in your very first game in the PBA can be nerve wracking for most rookies.

However, Talisay City-native Roger Ray Pogoy is not like most and proved it by scoring 15 points capped by two-pressure packed free-throws in crunch time that sealed a 108-103 come-from-behind win for TNT over the Barangay Ginebra Kings in the PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday.

The former University of Cebu (UC) Baby Webmaster admitted to feeling nervous before the game but got over it, thanks to some timely advice from his father and his veteran teammates. In the end, it all paid off as the Gilas Cadet helped finish off the overwhelming crowd favorites with two from the line that gave the KaTropa a 106-103 lead with just 20 seconds left in the hotly contested ballgame.

“At first, I felt nervous but once I saw that first basket go in, everything just fell into place and I just went with the flow of the game,” said the proud product of Cansojong, Talisay City.

“My father just told me not to be afraid and just enjoy playing the game. What matters is that I give it my all,” shared Pogoy of his father’s advice to him right before the game.

The Far Eastern University alumnus also said that it helped to have veteran teammates egging him on, both at practice and during the game.

“Sila Kuya Del (Ranidel de Ocampo), Jayson (Castro) and Larry (Fonacier), they always tell me not to be intimidated and that I can do this,” said Pogoy.

Being a rookie, Pogoy understands that chances to contribute won’t come often, which is why he wanted to take advantage of his opportunities on the floor.

“I didn’t expect to play as much as I did since I understand that I am just a rookie. That’s why I’m grateful to Coach Josh (Reyes) and Coach Nash (Racela) that they trusted me enough to put me out there,” Pogoy said.