JAKARTA — Poy Erram got his baptism of fire playing in his first Asian Games, going up against a pair of seven footers in China’s Zhou Qi and Wang Zhelin, then a few days after, taking on the tough South Korean juggernaut.
In both games, the Rain or Shine-Pilipinas lost their tough matches and to make it worse, Erram suffered a chipped tooth while diving to save the ball. He had to be taken out as blood flew from his gums.
For the 6-foot-8 big man, he doesn’t mind loosing or suffering a chipped tooth. What’s more painful was the loss the Philippines suffered against South Korea which booted out our basketball team from the medal race.
“The loss to South Korea was a painful one. I’m willing to sacrifice my body, even my tooth,” said Erram as he flashed a big smile showing his front tooth loosing a chunk.
But for Erram, his first international experience gave him a lot of lessons, something which he could bring when he return and help his mother club, Blackwater, in the PBA.
“With the national team, you got the chance of playing some of your rivals from the PBA and they’ve been nothing but supportive, knowing I’m one of the youngest in the team,” added Erram. “Playing against some of the best players in Asia would also help me to get better. The international brand of game is different from the PBA as each game is like a do-or-die situation.
Erram is expected to be one of those players going to be retained by head coach Yeng Guiao to represent Gilas Pilipinas in next window of FIBA Asia World Cup qualifier three weeks from now in Iran.
Guiao is batting for continuity, the best way in forming up a team, and Erram could be a good addition.
“Without him in the Asian Games, we’re going to have a shallow frontline,” added Guiao, who will take over on a temporary basis the post vacated by suspended coach Chot Reyes. “Erram is really a big help for us. He’s been holding his own against the other big guys we’ve faced and his ability to play as a stretched big man in offense and his length on defense, provides us additional inside presence.” — Rey Joble
