By Trisha Marie L. Abuyan
File photo from UAAP 77

Former defensive specialist of Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, Roger ‘RR’ Pogoy, was recognized by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) as one of the seven most improved players in Asia after his remarkable stint in the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers first window.

Pogoy tallied 16 points and six rebounds on his 23-minute stint in their victorious ran away in the qualifiers against Indonesia last February that became his improvement indicator compared to his 2017 qualifiers’ statistics with an average of seven points and 3.5 rebounds. 

“It's an honor para sa akin (for me)to be recognized ng (by)FIBA na isa sa mga (as one of the)most improved player,” Pogoy stated.

The 28-year old swingman shared to an online interview with FEU Advocate that every players’ goal was to improve and being part of FIBA’s most improved players list is an achievement for him as a player.

“I'm so happy na part ako sa FIBA's list na improve player. Kasi kaming mga ['yan] ang mga pangarap namin na mag-improve 'yung laro namin. Parang nakuha ko 'yung goal ko na nag-improve (I’m so happy that I am part of FIBA’s most improved player list. [As players], our goal is to improve our plays. It's Iike I already achieved my goal to improve),” he said.

In his interview with ABS-CBN News, the 6-foot Cebuano stated that people tell him that he’s only a good player in Cebu since he started in FEU as a bench player—but that doesn’t waver the determination of Pogoy and eventually emerged as a crucial player for the Philippine national team.

“Motivation ko lang talaga every practice and game is gamitin ko 'yung talent nang maayos kasi parang balik ko rin 'to sa Panginoon kasi pinagkatiwalaan niya ako na bigyan ng ganitong talentso i-treasure ko talaga 'to at 'yan ang motivation ko talaga palagi (My motivation in every practice and games is to put my talent into use because it is a sign of gratitude to the Lord for giving me this kind of talent. I will really treasure it and that is always my motivation),” he said.

Pogoy also shared how vital the values that FEU taught him to be the player he is today. He said that FEU taught him to work hard to reach your goals, always be humble and most importantly, have faith in God.

As of press time, Pogoy was expected to pick up his delayed stint with the TNT Katropa before the shutdown of Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) season last March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.