RR Pogoy is very ready to get back on the court for Gilas Pilipinas and help the team in the sixth window of the FIBA World Cup qualifiers.
Pogoy is serving out the last of his five-game suspension stemming from the infamous Philippines-Australia brawl last July. Pogoy missed the fourth and fifth windows of the qualifiers.
The Gilas forward will miss the game against Qatar on February 21 as he serves the last game of his suspension. Pogoy is expected to play against Kazakhstan on February 24.
"We waited for a few months for this and the most important thing is I got another Gilas call-up. I'm excited to play again," Pogoy said.
Pogoy played in Friday's scrimmage against Meralco, a 100-82 victory.
Gilas focused on polishing its defensive schemes and the players showcased their progress by holding the Bolts to 82 points.
"Before the tune-up game, we really talked about our defense. It's just a bonus that the offense followed," said Pogoy. "We're practicing our defense because that's what we lacked in the last window. Coach Yeng [Guiao] was happy because we were able to execute what he wanted us to do."
Pogoy said that the pressure of the upcoming must-win matches has been affecting him, especially knowing that the Kazakhstan game will be his one and only shot.
"To be honest, I feel pressured. We won't be playing here, we'll be playing in their home court where it's cold and we're not used to it. Hopefully, our bodies can adapt quickly," he said.
Eager to bounce back and make up for his absences, Pogoy feels confident that Gilas can secure two more wins and improve its chances of clinching a World Cup berth.
"This is our last chance to enter the World Cup," he said. "With my teammates and our coaching staff, and especially with Andray [Blatche] back, I'm confident that we have a huge chance to win this window."