PBA: Recovering Poy Erram to return for TNT in February

FILE–TNT Troop Giga’s Poy Erram. – PBA PICTURES

MANILA, Philippines—TNT coach Poy Erram will return to the PBA Governor’s Cup in February, coach Jojo Lastimosa said.

Erram, who was a mainstay in the paint for Tropang Giga, missed the team’s opening game after undergoing meniscus surgery.

“He had orthoscopic surgery. His meniscus was out of place so it was cleaned. It was a very simple procedure,” said the new TNT coach after a 123-119 win over Phoenix at the Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

“He should be ready to play by the end of February.”

In the Commissioner’s Cup, Erram averaged 17.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.7 steals in 12 games. He is the team’s leading scorer behind Mikey Williams, who averages 16.8 per game.

Despite having to wait a little longer for the defensive anchor to return, Lastimosa believes TNT can “live” with the cards they’ve been dealt.

“Now, we will survive with this lineup. I have a good lineup that can win a few more games,” said the top coach.

Bench depth will be key in the game waiting for Tropang Giga, with bigs like Justin Chua, Calvin Oftana and import Jalen Hudson at the helm.

Hudson played well for TNT in the paint, finishing with a double-double with 34 points and 10 rebounds, while Oftana grabbed seven boards for a 17-point performance.

Despite the rotation at the beginning of the tournament, Lastimosa reiterated that Erram’s return will not be a burden for Tropang Giga.

“We can ask Justin to replace Poy’s role but when he comes back we will be better. We don’t have to think about who we will play to match the big one.