Poy places trust in TNT system

MANILA, Philippines — Poy Erram had no inkling he would make his first start this conference in Game 4 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals between TNT and Meralco but wasn’t surprised when coach Chot Reyes put his name on the board in the lockerroom before marching into the MOA Arena last Sunday.

“Walang sinabi si Coach na mag-start ako at nakita ko na lang sa board,” said Erram. “Hindi naman ako nagulat, always ready ako.” Erram, 36, sat out the first six games of the conference then went scoreless in two outings, skipped the next four then came off the bench to average 3.3 points and 8:13 minutes in the semis until Game 4. He suffered a severe right ankle sprain and a meniscal tear in his left knee during the Finals of the previous Philippine Cup last July, causing a four-month layoff. After his reactivation, Erram was lent to the Gilas squad that kept the gold medal in men’s basketball at the Bangkok SEA Games last month.

Erram said the SEA Games stint bolstered his resolve to come back strong. “Nakatulong in a way na I’m staying ready gamitin man o hindi,” said Erram, who has endured multiple injuries in his career marked by two season sit-outs. “If hindi, mag-focus sa ibang bagay like making sure na lahat ng player alam ‘yung ginagawa ng team.”

In Game 4, Erram said his mindset was to stay calm and control the things he can influence. The start propelled Erram to win Best Player honors with 27 points, nine rebounds, two assists and three blocks in 25 minutes. More importantly, he powered TNT to a 102-83 win and a 3-1 series lead.

TNT will look to close out Meralco in Game 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tomorrow. Erram said to get it done, the call is to “stay aggressive and follow our system kasi proven na gumagana talaga.” He said the bench is a key factor. “Sobrang crucial kasi kahit wala ‘yung first group, alam namin na ‘yung next man up is always ready.” Last Sunday, Kim Aurin shot 10 points and Kelly Williams, Henry Galinato and Kevin Ferrer seven each, all off the bench, to underscore Erram’s drift.