The TNT Tropang 5G's championship aspirations have hit a major snag as one of their key players, Roger Pogoy, faces the possibility of sitting out the entire PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup finals series. The defending champions, the San Miguel Beermen, await in the championship round which is set to begin this Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Coach Reyes Delivers Unpromising Update
Head coach Chot Reyes himself delivered the concerning news regarding the Cebuano sharpshooter's status. Pogoy has not yet fully recovered from the hamstring injury he sustained during the Tropang 5G's series-clinching victory over the Meralco Bolts in the semi-finals. The final score of that Game 4 was 102-83, wrapping up the best-of-seven series in five games.
"It's very unpredictable. It doesn't look good to be very honest about it," Reyes stated in a report by Spin.ph. He elaborated on the nature of the injury, explaining, "Alam mo 'yung hamstring muscle, hindi naman 'yan nate-therapy. It's just rest and recovery." This frank assessment casts a long shadow over Pogoy's availability for the crucial finals matchup.
Pogoy's Impact and a Faint Hope for Return
The 33-year-old guard has been a significant contributor for TNT throughout their playoff run. In the four semi-finals games he played, Pogoy averaged 13.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. His scoring punch and perimeter defense are considered vital assets against the powerhouse San Miguel squad.
Despite the bleak outlook, Coach Reyes expressed a sliver of hope for Pogoy's potential return later in the series, possibly by Game 3. However, he was quick to temper expectations, admitting that he would be surprised if such a comeback materializes given the current trajectory of the injury's recovery.
Implications for the Championship Series
Pogoy's likely absence presents a substantial challenge for the Tropang 5G as they prepare to face the reigning champions. The team must now reconfigure its game plan and find production from other players to compensate for the loss of a primary offensive option. This development significantly alters the dynamics of the finals and adds another layer of difficulty to TNT's quest to dethrone San Miguel in the all-Filipino conference.
All eyes will now be on the Ynares Center this Wednesday to see how TNT adjusts its lineup and strategy for Game 1, and whether the team can overcome this significant setback in their pursuit of the PBA Philippine Cup title.
