Pogoy not quitting basketball despite heart condition

MANILA, Philippines – TNT Tropang Giga gunner RR Pogoy assured that he will be returning to the court as soon as he is cleared to play basketball once again.

Pogoy, who will be out for at least a few months after being diagnosed with myocarditis, showed up for the UAAP match between the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the FEU Tamaraws Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

The guard said that he will rest until he gets better.

“There are no medicines. I will just rest until [the myocarditis] gets better,” Pogoy told reporters in Filipino.

“I will return. After six months, I will return and play,” he added.

The Mayo Clinic says myocarditis is the “inflammation of the heart muscle,” and it can “reduce the heart’s ability to pump blood.”

Pogoy bared that he learned of his condition after getting tested while training for Gilas Pilipinas ahead of the Asian Games.

“When I was practicing for Gilas, I had myself checked up. I could not practice, so that’s when I learned,” the former FEU Tamaraw said.

Despite all this, Pogoy bared that he is putting his full trust in the Lord.

“I was worried because I was strong during the World Cup, then, this happened. But me, I trust in the Lord because I know He has plans for me,” Pogoy said.

“That is where I put my trust, in the Lord and in my family.”

The swingman bared that he has been receiving overwhelming support from almost everyone — from TNT owner and sport patron Manny V. Pangilinan, to basketball officials Al Panlilio and Ricky Vargas, to his team, to former Coach Nash Racela and to the fans.

“I am thankful for the support I am being given. I promise that I will return. I trust in the Lord that I will return.”