Roger Pogoy felt like he was in dreamland after winning the PBA Rookie of the Year award many didn't expect he would get when the season started.
The TNT KaTropa forward beat out fellow Gilas Cadet members Matthew Wright of Phoenix and Jio Jalalon of Star to capture the biggest honor given to the season's best rookie after helping the KaTropa reach at least the semifinals of all three conferences.
"Parang dream lang," Pogoy said after the annual Leo Awards that came before Game 4 of the PBA Governors' Cup Finals between Meralco and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Pogoy had little words to describe winning such distinction, a product of continues hardwork and learning under a team filled with veterans.
He blossomed under TNT's first-year mentor Nash Racela, the same coach he had as a member of Far Eastern University's 2015 UAAP title victory, and eventually played a prominent role for the KaTropa.
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Pogoy's rugged style and ability to make key shots when needed helped TNT reach the finals of the Commissioner's Cup, losing to San Miguel in six games. The KaTropa almost made it past the semis of the Philippine Cup and Governors' Cup, losing to San Miguel and Ginebra, respectively.
He also made it to the roster of Gilas Pilipinas in its title-winning run in the SEABA Championship last May and in the FIBA Asia Cup in Lebanon last August when the country finished seventh.
"Resulta ito ng hardwork ko kasi every ensayo. Before and after, nag-eextra work ako," he said.
Pogoy, however, is not resting on his laurels. He plans to put more work in order to improve his game while hoping to give the KaTropa the championship that eluded them this year.
"Siguro marami pang kulang," Pogoy said. "Kasi yung Rookie of the Year award, bonus lang yan. Ang importante talaga is mag-champion." (JT)
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