Hopeful recovery for Pogoy

PBA star RR Pogoy was at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in civvies for the 48th season opening last Sunday and looked ready to step back on the court. He was repeatedly asked by media about his heart condition and his reply was optimistic. Pogoy said he’ll be out at least six months to get complete rest on doctors’ orders. He’s under careful observation and his heartbeat closely monitored. Whatever medication is necessary to address his case of myocarditis or the inflammation of heart muscles will be administered. The goal is full recovery for Pogoy to continue playing the game he loves.

It was during a Gilas practice at Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba when Pogoy suddenly felt faint. Pogoy had just played for Gilas in the FIBA World Cup and was in training for the recent Asian Games. He stopped in his tracks but didn’t collapse. Everyone rushed to his side. Coach Tim Cone said he had no idea what happened and was deeply concerned. Pogoy’s body turned ice cold. Doctors later diagnosed a heart condition similar to what afflicted Danny Francisco, a budding star who retired from basketball at the age of 19 in 1989. Since Francisco’s early retirement, there have been major strides in cardiac treatment and Pogoy will surely benefit from advanced technology.

Pogoy, 31, has played on two PBA championship squads and is a two-time FIBA World Cupper. He suited up exclusively for TNT in his six-year PBA career that began in the 2016-17 season. Last campaign, Pogoy averaged 18.3 points and shot career-highs of 45 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from beyond the arc. He would’ve come home with a gold medal from the recent Asian Games if not for his heart issue. But Pogoy’s lucky he was diagnosed before his condition became critical.

In the NBA, there are precautionary measures taken to assess players’ heart conditions. “Cardiac screenings in the NBA are pretty extensive with examination by primary care physicians consulting with team cardiologists,” said former Cleveland Cavaliers athletic trainer Max Benton. “The players receive a full stress echo where they run on a treadmill and record how your heart is performing.” Additionally, the National Basketball Players Association extends support to former players experiencing heart problems. NBA legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Larry Bird and Jerry West have been found to be suffering from atrial fibrillation, a form of cardiac arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm. LeBron James’ son Bronny, only 18, suffered a cardiac arrest during practice last July. Ex-NBA players who died of heart failure include Darryl Dawkins at 58, Moses Malone at 60, Anthony Mason at 48, Caldwell Jones at 64, Pete Maravich at 40 and Sean Rooks at 46. Two players who succumbed on the court were Boston Celtics forward Reggie Lewis at 27 during a 1993 practice and Loyola Marymount standout Hank Gathers at 23 during a 1990 NCAA game against the University of Portland with Erik Spoelstra playing.