RR Pogoy. | FIBA photo
Cebu City, Philippines–RR Pogoy, one of the more successful players out of Cebu, will be making another appearance for the Gilas Pilipinas, this time in the prestigious FIBA World Cup which the Philippines is co-hosting starting August 25, 2023.
Joining Pogoy in the Gilas roster is fellow Cebuano June Mar Fajardo, out of Pinamungajan, Cebu.
The Talisay City-native Pogoy said he is excited to be part of the Philippines’ national team, saying defense will be what he can contribute to the team.
“Ang ako matabang siguro sa team is akong depensa,” said Pogoy in a message to CDN Digital. (What I can contribute to the team is my defense.)
This is also what noted Cebu coaches said about Pogoy’s inclusion in the Gilas roster.
“He will be able to defend tall and quick guards of other teams,” said Southwestern University head coach Mike Reyes, the younger brother of Gilas coach Chot Reyes.
READ MORE: FIBA World Cup 2023: Why Cebu’s June Mar Fajardo and RR Pogoy play key roles with Gilas
University of the Visayas head coach Gary Cortes, meanwhile, said Pogoy can also help offensively, especially with the presence of Fajardo and Kai Sotto down low.
“When RR hits his outside shots, June Mar’s life in the shaded lane will be easier,” he said.
With his experience in international games for the Philippines, and his colorful career in the PBA with the TNT Tropang Giga, Pogoy has gained a lot fans, especially in his hometown in Talisay City.
Pride of Talisay, Cebu
His message to the youth aspiring to have a career like his is this: “Sa mga kabatan na gusto mo duwa sa national team, maningkamot lang gyud. Maminaw sa coach, ug salig sa Ginoo.”
(To the young players who want to become a member of the national team soon, just work hard. Listen to your coach, and trust in God.)
Among those who look up to Pogoy is another noted Cebuano player Shane Menina, formerly of the University of Cebu.
“Proud kay usa siya sa akong gi-look up na maka successful pod sa basketball og labi na sa life. Isa pod lumad taga Talisay, same me city. Siya among garbo. Then dali pod siya ma reach out, labi na mga advices,” Menina said.
(I’m proud because he is one I look up to when it comes to being successful in basketball and in life. One more thing is that he is from Talisay, same city where I come from. He is the pride of Talisay. He is also easy to reach out to, especially for advices.)
Meanwhile, Pogoy said he has prepared hard for this FIBA World Cup tournament.
“Ako preperation una kay mental preparation, labi na gikan ko sa injury. Three months ko nawala,” Pogoy said. “Next is condition. Dapat condition gyud basta mo duwa ani na World Cup.”
(My preparation included mental preparation, especially since I came from an injury. I was out for three months. Next is condition. One should really be well conditioned to play in the World Cup.)
The Gilas Pilipinas will play their first game against the Dominican Republic on Friday, August 25, starting at 8 p.m.
The Gilas Pilipinas is grouped with the Dominican Republic, Angola, and Italy.
