Pogoy hopes to finally conclude the search for the first PBA title as he prepares for the “tough” Magnolia

Gomez Kasım 22, 2021

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MANILA, Philippines – TNT guard Roger Pogoy exorcised a demon from his past Sunday night, helping TNT overcome San Miguel Beer in a playoff series for the first time since 2013.

“In my five years here in the PBA, we’ve always suffered playoff losses at the hands of San Miguel. They are a really tough group, ”he said in Filipino on Sunday night, shortly after taking part in Tropang Giga’s 97-79 triumph in Game 7 of the Philippine Cup semi-finals.

Pogoy will have another chance to put another one away when his team battles Magnolia for the prestigious all-Filipino crown. There, TNT machine gunner, a certified winner during his amateur days, will have another chance to finally capture a pro title, having gone three times empty-handed.

In an interview almost exactly a year ago, Pogoy told the Inquirer that winning a PBA title has become a personal crusade.

“I’ve been able to get a taste of the leagues in other leagues I’ve played in – in high school, college and the semi-professional circuit. It’s just a professional title that I haven’t been able to win. “

Those failed attempts and the rich experiences he has gathered along the way have certainly prepared Pogoy for this new opportunity. But he is also the first to say that it will only be more difficult from here on out.

“I think if the San Miguel series were already tiring, the finals will be even more difficult. [The Hotshots] they’ve been quite on the run. And there is a good reason why I am also in the final. So I know it’s going to be difficult to play, “he said.

Magnolia reached the final after defeating blue-collar Rain or Shine in the quarter-finals and then tenacious Meralco in the Final Four. The hotshots, now armed with a support team on par with any other starting unit in the league, are also on a mission to end a title drought. Hence, to say that they will be a formidable opponent is a fairly accurate statement.

But Pogoy – already hardened by the heartbreaks of the 2016 and 2019 Commissioner’s Cup Finals and, of course, last year’s all-Filipino bubble – is looking forward to the challenge.

“As the coach (Chot Reyes) would say, all we ask is for a chance. And when that possibility arises, we just have to take it, “he said.

“This will make up for a good trip,” he added. “I’ve had several final appearances and haven’t won a single one. Perhaps, in the graces of God, (it would be this). We will work hard “.