Growing up in Talisay, Roger Pogoy dreamt of just two things: finishing school and one day making it to the biggest stage of Philippine basketball, the Philippine Basketball Association.
However, as fate would have it, he was destined for bigger things as the Cebuano now finds himself part of the upcoming Gilas Pilipinas cadet team that will represent the country in forthcoming international competitions.
Pogoy’s inclusion in the retooled national team was confirmed by the man himself yesterday in an exclusive interview with Cebu Daily News.
Fresh off helping the Philippines capture the gold medal in the Stankovic Cup, the former University of Cebu standout and Far Eastern University alumnus told this writer that while they have yet to formalize the details, stipulations in the the contract would bind him to national duties for the next three years. They have already been contacted by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas officials regarding the matter.
“I’m so happy. I can’t believe that I actually will be part of this,” said Pogoy in his native tongue, the excitement palpable in his voice.
PBA DREAM ON HOLD
The SBP is set to revert back to the program last utilized with the original Smart Gilas due to the new qualification process Fiba has set for the 2019 Basketball World Cup. This is to avoid conflicts with the PBA regarding the availability of their best players.
“My only dreams before were to finish school and one day, play in the PBA. Never in my mind did I ever think I would be part of the Gilas team,” narrated Pogoy who was just in high school when the very first Smart Gilas, which featured the likes of Chris Tiu, Marcio Lassiter and Andy Barroca donned the national colors.
Though the Gilas cadet team has yet to begin practice due to the games being played in the PBA D-League, Pogoy said that he is keen on improving his outside shooting to better suit the international style of play.
“I really have to improve my perimeter shooting since that’s what’s needed in the international game.”
His participation in the Gilas program would mean that Pogoy would have to put his PBA dream on hold, and he absolutely has no problem with it.
“It’s alright. This is for our country.”
Pogoy added that another Cesafi product—ex-Cebu Eastern College center Raymar Jose—has also been tapped to join the Gilas cadet team.