Pogoy is already plotting a return to action even after getting diagnosed with a heart condition.
TNT Tropang Giga guard RR Pogoy was recently diagnosed with myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle that, according to Mayo Clinic, can “reduce the heart’s ability to pump blood” and “cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and rapid or irregular heart rhythms.
Needless to say, myocarditis is a bane to any basketball player, let alone a professional playing at the highest level.
Pogoy, though, is unperturbed. In fact, he already has a timeline for his return.
“‘Yun nga, may nakitang myocarditis. So, ‘yun, sabi ng doktor wala namang gamot, pahinga lang muna talaga, hintayin na mawala. Mga six months siguro,” Pogoy told One Sports’ Aivan Episcope in a chance interview at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, where Pogoy’s FEU Tamaraws went head-to-head with the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
“Pahinga muna, tapos babalik ako. After six months babalik ako. Lalaro ako uli,” added Pogoy, who has apparently been advised to refrain from engaging in physical activities as well.
Pogoy’s cheery attitude is admirable—and certainly understandable. After all, he is getting plenty of support, starting with his family to his team and to his fans.
“Full support talaga sila (Tropang Giga). Inaalagaan talaga ko nila, so thankful talaga ko, lalo kina Boss MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan), Boss Ricky (Vargas), Boss Al (Panlilio),” Pogoy said. “Sa lahat—sa mga coaches, sa mga teammates ko. Mine-message nila ko, so thankful talaga ko, kaya sila na nagbigay ng lakas sa ‘kin, family ko, mga fans...”
The Tropang Giga, Pogoy’s family, and the fans will surely be waiting for that return, whether it happens after six months or longer—as long as the many-time Gilas player is in tiptop shape and ready to hoop again.
(With reports from Aivan Episcope, One Sports)