Tropa to miss Pogoy in PBA season kickoff

MANILA, Philippines — TNT gunner Roger Pogoy is unlikely to see action in the PBA’s season-opening Commissioner’s Cup due to his current health condition.

“Roger (is) out three to six months, (it) depends on how his body heals,” Tropang Giga team manager and interim coach Jojo Lastimosa told The STAR yesterday.

Team officials didn’t divulge what ails Pogoy.

The two-time FIBA World Cup veteran missed out on Gilas Pilipinas’ campaign in the Asian Games in Hangzhou after failing to get medical clearance.

Just before the Nationals started their Asiad buildup, Pogoy reportedly collapsed in his home, forcing him to seek medical attention and undergo tests.

Pogoy’s absence isn’t the only manpower concern hounding the Tropang Giga ahead of the Nov. 5 tip off.  Big men Justin Chua and Poy Erram are also recovering from their respective knee injuries.

To fill the void, TNT elevated frontliner Lervin Flores from the franchise’s PBA 3x3 crew, acquired rookie Henry Galinato and Jewel Ponferada in a trade with Rain or Shine and signed up free agent Kim Aurin.

The Tropang Giga are bringing back Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who powered them to the Season 47 Governors’ Cup crown at the expense of holder Barangay Ginebra last April.