Roger Pogoy out for 6 months due to rare heart disease

Roger Pogoy has been ruled out for the upcoming PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup and possibly a large portion of the Philippine Cup due to myocarditis.

Myocarditis is a disease where the heart muscle, known as the myocardium, becomes inflamed. This muscle contracts and relaxes to pump blood in and out of the heart and to the rest of the body. When the myocardium becomes inflamed, its ability to pump blood becomes less effective. This causes problems like an abnormal heartbeat, chest pain, and trouble breathing.

“We are told (Pogoy will be out) six months give or take,” said TNT team manager and concurrent head coach Jojo Lastimosa during an interview with The Manila Times Wednesday night.

The 59-year-old Lastimosa added that physicians have advised the TNT and Gilas Pilipinas sharpshooter to continue “medications and rest.”

However, Lastimosa is optimistic that Pogoy will return to action once he receives medical clearance.

In 6 games for Gilas Pilipinas at the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila, the 31-year-old Pogoy averaged 6.0 points and 1.2 rebounds.

In over 10 minutes of action, he contributed 7 points, 2 rebounds, and a steal as Gilas defeated China, 96-75, on September 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in front of enthusiastic Filipino supporters.

Pogoy ultimately dropped off the Gilas roster a week prior to the national team’s departure for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, citing a “serious health issue,” as interim coach Tim Cone disclosed during a press conference.

Gilas, despite training for only 12 days, went on to defeat Jordan in the finals and secure the gold medal to put an end to the country’s 61-year title drought.

San Miguel’s Marcio Lassiter took over the Gilas spot vacated by Pogoy.

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