RR Pogoy remained thankful and blessed despite seeing TNT’s campaign come to a sad end after suffering a 2-1 series reversal at the hands of Rain or Shine in their best-of-three quarterfinals affair.

For one, it was a moment that the veteran gunner thought he would never experience again after getting diagnosed with a rare heart condition that sidelined him for a couple of months after his stint with Gilas in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

Pogoy made it back to playing again midway through the Commissioner’s Cup and eventually returned to his fiery scoring ways after finally suiting up for a full conference with TNT since his major health scare.

“Sobrang blessed and thankful talaga ako na nakatapos ako ng conference, pagkagaling sa sakit ko. Walang nangyari okay lahat so thankful pa rin ako kahit talo kami,” said Pogoy

“Thankful pa rin ako sa sarili ko na nakabalik ako,” he added.

Pogoy even assumed his usual role for the Tropang Giga, forming a potent scoring duo with Calvin Oftana. 

He averaged 20.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists through the 13 games he played in the Philippine Cup including a conference-high of 31 points he scored against NorthPort in the eliminations.

Although fully healed from his heart condition, Pogoy admitted that he was still not pushing himself too much and he was still not in his best playing condition.

“Honestly di pa ako sa conditioning wise talaga, yung heart ko hundred percent na pero yungconditioning di pa talaga kasi ayun nga nag aalalay pa ako minsan pero next conference 100 percent na lahat,” said the Cebuano guard.

That was very much evident in the contest when he failed to finish the contest due to severe leg cramps. He exited the contest with still 2:19 left and with TNT coming within one after trailing by as many as 20 points.

“Sobrang frustrating two minutes pa iyon eh mahaba pa iyon tapos isa na lang yung lamang.  ‘Yun yung masakit dun na parang di ka makatulong sa team mo kasi nasa gilid ka na lang,” he added.