MANILA – Roger Pogoy is aiming for redemption as he made his return for Gilas Pilipinas in their all-important match with Kazakhstan in the 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifier tonight at the Republican Velodrome Saryarka in Astana, Kazakhstan.
The Cebuano gunner is returning to the national team after serving his five-game suspension in the aftermath of the infamous Gilas Pilipinas-Australia Boomers brawl on July, 2018 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
“I waited for a few months for this and the most important thing is I got another Gilas callup. I am excited to play again,” said Pogoy, who missed the fourth and fifth window of the World Cup qualifier.
The TNT KaTropa guard added that he feels pressured as their upcoming match against Kazakhstan is a must-win for them to have a shot at qualifying in the World Cup, which will be held later this year in China.
“To be honest, I feel pressured. We won’t be playing here (in Manila), we’ll be playing in their home court where it’s cold and we’re not used to it. Hopefully, our bodies can adapt quickly,” Pogoy said.
He added: “This is our last chance to enter the World Cup. With my teammates and our coaching staff, and especially with Andray (Blatche) back, I’m confident that we have a huge chance to win this window.”
Pogoy is likely to be inserted by Gilas head coach Yeng Guiao in the 12-man roster for the Kazakhstan match in lieu of Earl Scottie Thompson.
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters center Raymond Almazan, meanwhile, is still expected to be out in the match due to the injury he sustained in a practice session in Doha, Qatar earlier this week./PN
