Pogoy back as PBA All-Star player

MANILA, Philippines — After getting a new lease on basketball life, TNT star RR Pogoy has regained his “All Star” status in the PBA.

Pogoy has been tapped to play in the 2024 PBA All Star Game in Bacolod City on Sunday, marking a high point for what he described as a “miraculous” speedy recovery from myocarditis and hoops comeback.

The Cebuano sniper, who has successfully returned to competitive ball last January after being diagnosed with the heart condition on the heels of the FIBA World Cup in September last year, is coming in as replacement for Phoenix’ Tyler Tio (out on ankle injury).

It’s set to be the fifth All Star appearance for Pogoy, who is joining Team Japeth in the duel with Team Mark.

Pogoy is linking up with skipper Japeth Aguilar, Christian Standhardinger, Paul Lee, Calvin Oftana, Jamie Malonzo, Chris Newsome, Don Trollano, Marcio Lassiter, Arvin Tolentino, Maverick Ahanmisi, Stanley Pringle and Terrence Romeo in the main offering of the mid-season festivities.

Scottie Thompson, who is nursing a back injury, has been ruled out of the contest set at the University of St. La Salle but is expected to travel with Team Japeth.

Out to foil Aguilar’s group is the counterpart bunch of Mark Barroca, June Mar Fajardo, Jason Perkins, CJ Perez, Robert Bolick, Jio Jalalon, Ian Sangalang, James Yap, Calvin Abueva, Jayson Castro, Gabe Norwood, Ricci Rivero, Cliff Hodge, Juami Tiongson and Nards Pinto.

Meanwhile, Blackwater neophyte Christian David earned his spot in the Rookies, Sophomores and Juniors game vice Rain or Shine’s Keith Datu (MCL).

David, the No. 2 pick overall in Season 48, is getting on board Team Stalwarts, where he’s joining forces with Kyt Jimenez, John Amores, top pick Stephen Holt, Fran Yu, Adrian Nocum, JM Calma, Joshua Munzon, Anton Asistio, Leonard Santillan and Keith Zaldivar.

They’re up against Team Greats composed of Brandon Rosser, Javi Gomez de Liano, Ken Tuffin, Jerrick Ahanmisi, Justin Arana, Ralph Cu, Andrei Caracut, RK Ilagan, Alec Stockton, Gian Mamuyac, James Laput and Shaun Ildefonso.

With Datu out, his ROS teammate Santillan takes over his spot in the 3-Point Shootout for Big Men.