RR Pogoy vows return to basketball after being diagnosed with heart condition

RR Pogoy vowed to return to action once he recuperates from myocarditis.

Pogoy confirmed on Saturday he was diagnosed with the heart condition. The former FEU Tamaraw was seen from the bleachers watching the game between his alma mater and Ateneo de Manila University where the Tamaraws won in OT, 66-61.

According to the Cleveland Clinic's website, myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle which may weaken it and make it hard for the heart to pump.

"Wala namang gamot, pahinga lang muna talaga. Hintayin mawala. So mga six months siguro," Pogoy told reporters.

(There's no medicine for it, just rest and wait for it to be relieved. It may take six months.)

Pogoy said he underwent tests after feeling weak and easily tired while practicing with Gilas Pilipinas after the 2023 FIBA World Cup. He was supposed to be with the team which won the gold medal in the Asian Games.

"After six months, babalik ako. Lalaro ulit," Pogoy said.

(I'll return and play after six months.)

While Pogoy admitted being happy after the national team's gold medal win, he said he would have preferred to be with the team in their historic campaign.

Despite this, Pogoy said he just trusts God's timing.

"Happy, sobrang happy ko kasi 'yun nga, nag-gold tayo. Nasayangan lang din kasi hindi ako nakasama, so pero ganun talaga. Sa buhay talaga di mo alam kung anong mangyayari so tiwala lang talaga sa Panginoon."

(I'm happy we won the gold. I just had regrets that I was not there, but that's it. In life, you will not know what will happen so just trust God.)

"Ipa-promise ko talaga na babalik ako. Tiwala ako kay Lord na babalik talaga ako."

(I promise I will come back. I trust the Lord, I will come back.)

—JKC, GMA Integrated News