MANILA – Former Far Eastern University Tamaraw RR Pogoy is upbeat of the chances of his alma mater to make a deep run in the UAAP Season 89 men's basketball tournament.
Pogoy was in attendance at the opening game of FEU against the Adamson Soaring Falcons on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.
The four-time PBA champion has previously watched FEU games live, but he said this one is different since they are this season's hosts.
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"Unang-una, grateful ako na nakapanood pa rin ako sa UAAP, lalong lalo na sa FEU. Saka Adamson din kasi andun si Coach Nash. Iba nga ngayon kasi si Mac Belo, assistant coach na," Pogoy said.
"So, yun nga, kakaiba talaga yung laro ngayon ang gagaling ng mga bata and then ang bibilis. So, ibang iba talaga," he added.
Pogoy, who was part of the last championship team of FEU, believes the team has what it takes to go far in the competition.
He cited the current lineup which includes reigning MVP Jan Rey Pasaol, Jorick Bautista as well as UAAP junior stars Cabs Cabonillas and Marc Burgos.
Pogoy said he sees himself in Kirby Mongcopa, who has produced veteran-like numbers in the past season.
"May potential yung roster nila ngayon. Tapos sana nga, sana makuha ulit yung championship sa FEU," he said.
"Si ano si [Kirby] Mongcopa, dahan-dahan lang maglaro. Gusto ko yung laro niya," the former Tamaraw added.
Pogoy said he makes sure to show support for his alma mater whenever he has the time like now while the PBA is on break.
"Ibang-iba talaga. Kaya palagi ako naka-suporta na kasi diyan din kasi ako galing. Hindi ako magiging RR Pogoy kung wala yung FEU. Kaya palagay ako nang suporta sa FEU," he said.
Pogoy's presence was a reunion of sorts since his former FEU teammate Mac Belo is now part of the Tamaraws' coaching staff.
"Sabi ko magbihis siya para maglaro siya. Kasi ang ano talaga, dati 10 years ago, kasama kami. Tapos ngayon, thankful and happy ako na nakita ko si Mac nakabalik sa FEU," he jokingly said.
Pogoy also shared a moment with his former coach Nash Racela, who is leading the Adamson squad.
"Kinausap ko din before kami pumasok, kasi yun nga papa din namin yun eh," he said.
Despite the Tamaraws falling short in their first game, Pogoy believes they will improve as the season progresses.
"Medyo gigil palang 'to kasi first game kasi darating din yung panahon na makukuha din nila," he shared.
"Galingan niyo at kunin niyo yung championship ngayon," Pogoy said to the team.