He wasn’t able to join Gilas in Europe but another blessing came his way.
TNT Tropang Giga will retain the services of one of the PBA’s best two-way players in RR Pogoy. On Monday night, the reigning Governors’ Cup champions announced across their social media pages the re-signing of their prized swingman.
The announcement came in the form of a photo wherein Pogoy is seen all smiles while shaking hands with SBP president and PLDT CEO Al Panlilio. They are also joined by TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa along with TNT governor and PBA chairman Ricky Vargas.
The picture of the contract signing had the caption, “ROGER SIGNS A NEW THREE-YEAR DEAL WITH TNT.” Yes, that’s exactly how it was written, screaming in all caps. Perhaps that’s how happy Tropang Giga must’ve been knowing that the Cebuano gunner is staying put.
TNT’s supporters were just as happy as the contract renewal received nothing but positive reactions as seen in the post’s comments section.
Netizen Aljim Sedeste pleaded for Pogoy to stay with the team, not only through the next three years, but also through thick and thin.
“Kahit makulelat na tayo, ‘wag na kayo umalis sa TNT,” he wrote.
FB user Corissa Evangelista echoed Sedeste’s sentiment.
“Sana ‘wag kang aalis ng TNT. Diyan ka na lang with Coach Jolas and the rest of the team.”
Another fan in Neneng Dula made a special request to the TNT higher-ups, asking them to take care of the former FEU Tamaraws standout as much as they could.
“Sana gaya ni Jayson Castro, diyan ka na lang talaga sa TNT. Sa TNT management, alagaan niyo ring mabuti ang mga players niyong magagaling nang hindi kayo ipagpalit sa ibang team,” she mused.
Gene Tong meanwhile, wished for Pogoy’s speedy recovery so that he may be able to resume with his Gilas duties as soon as possible. Pogoy last saw action for TNT in Game 3 of the season-ending finale last April after sustaining a hand injury.
“Forever TNT. Mapgpagaling ka na. Kailangan ka sa Gilas,” he commented.
Jay-Ar Tilles anointed RR as the next face of Tropang Giga.
“Franchise player na ‘yan,” he claimed.
The fans’ elation wasn’t baseless. With the Manny V. Pangilinan-owned club, RR has won numerous accolades including the Rookie of the Year award and a Mythical Second Team selection. Aside from that, he has also helped the franchise win two PBA crowns. And before suffering a hand fracture that also prevented him from joining Gilas Pilipinas’ European training camp, Pogoy had been stellar for TNT as he averaged 18.3 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1.3 steals through 55 games in the 47th Season of Asia's oldest professional hoops league.
(GM)