Erram steps in as Gilas battles Malaysia

CHONBURI – Gilas Pilpinas got a boost in size and experience for its title defense in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games with the late addition of Poy Erram.

The 6-foot-7 TNT slotman takes the spot of the injured Allen Liwag, hopping on board in time for the Norman Black-coached squad ahead of its opening game against Malaysia today at the Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Plipinas said the lineup change was approved by the organizers, opening the door for Erram to play in the 11:30 a.m. encounter (12:30 p.m. Manila time). Gilas faces Vietnam tomorrow.

“Liwag is suffering from a shoulder injury so we felt we could use the opportunity to bring in Poy to replace,” said Black.

This will mark Erram’s international comeback, having last donned the Gilas jersey in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers.

“Poy is a veteran, helps us as far as size is concerned. That’s one thing we do lack in this team. We lost a lot of our size due to eligibility rules so Poy will be coming in to help us particularly on the defensive end,” said Black of Erram, who had been practicing with the squad back in Manila.