DONDON Hontiveros is proud to see another fellow Cebuano and University of Cebu product make a mark in the college basketball scene in the metro.
And the Alaska sniper is convinced Roger Pogoy will etch an even bigger name in the pros.
“Hindi nga siya masyadong nakilala noon, pero he’s making a mark sa UAAP, so nakaka-proud,” Hontiveros said of the former Webmaster who has risen to become a vital cog in Far Eastern University’s recent championship drive.
The Cebuano Hotshot even believes the graduating FEU cager should’ve been named the Finals MVP in the title series against University of Santo Tomas.
“That’s my boy, Pogoy!!! Congrats dong #finalsMVPforme congrats feu and @scwtN,” Hontiveros tweeted after the Tamaraws captured the crown last Wednesday.
[See Former UC star Pogoy hopes this year's Baby Webmasters can replicate 2008 feat]
With his latest feat, Pogoy has done something Hontiveros never did: play in the UAAP, let alone win a title there, although Hontiveros turned pro earlier at 21.
“(When I was his) age, siguro mas marami na siyang nagawa na dahil mahirap yung UAAP,” the 38-eyar-old Hontiveros admitted. “Ako lang, dahil maaga akong nag-pro.”
Hontiveros cited Pogoy’s ability to guard multiple positions as well as his being a two-way player as his assets that he can bring to the table.
“Pag-transfer mula sa Cebu (hindi pa masyado kilala), pero sinubaybayan ko and sinasabi ko kay coach Nash (Racela) na pwede talaga ‘to si Roger: he can defend the two, three, and four, tapos offense-defense,” the PBA veteran said.
“Nakita ng mga PBA teams yung value niya,” he added. “Hindi naman siya go-to guy, pero he’s doing really well.”
Hontiveros compared the 6-foot-2 Pogoy to another crafty Cebuano wingman in Junthy Valenzuela.
“(He’s) like Junthy Valenzuela, parang ganung na mold, pero more on hindi physical side,” he said with a smile. “Excited ako for him sa PBA.”
[See Game Three hero Roger Pogoy says FEU seniors simply refused to lose]
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