RR Pogoy displays resilience in TNT’s championship run after recovery from heart condition

RR Pogoy is nothing short of grateful for the blessings that followed after his recovery from a heart condition. 

The 32-year-old Pogoy is washed over by relief after helping TNT retain its crown in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

The Tropang Giga turned a double-digit deficit in the pivotal final frame to claim a 95-85 Game 6 victory against Barangay Ginebra. 

After being diagnosed with myocarditis last year, the 32-year-old Pogoy bounced back quicker and better than expected. 

From initially being out for six months, Pogoy made a spirited comeback just three months later. Pogoy also received the health scare shortly after signing a three-year contract extension with TNT. 

“Ang masasabi ko lang talaga ay grace to ni Lord. Blessings 'to lahat ni Lord. Sinabihan ako ng doktor pahinga ng six months. Tingnan kung gagaling. Ba't biglang nung second check-up nawala lahat? So grace and blessings talaga 'to lahat,” said Pogoy, who pumped in 13 points including a game-tying corner triple with five minutes left in the game. 

Aside from his heart condition, Pogoy also wanted to make the most of his second Governors’ Cup finals appearance with valuable contributions. 

“Sobrang sarap sa feeling talaga. Kasi last time na nag-champion kami, injured ako eh. Nung unang championship ko, nasa bubble. Sabi ko sana mag-champion na nakakalaro ako. Tapos noon nakaka-shoot pa ako ng dagger threes. Nung pumasok ‘yung three points ko parang nasa alapaap na ako. Sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam talaga,” he said. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News