PBA: Poy Erram’s TNT return timely as Kelly Williams likely out for the season

TNT veteran Kelly Williams helped to the bench after suffering a calf injury. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Semifinals-bound TNT took a huge hit on Wednesday after losing veteran Kelly Williams to injury in the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.

The Tropang Giga punched their ticket to the semifinals against the Meralco Bolts, who later booted Magnolia out, but they will have to play the series without Williams, who suffered a potential season-ending calf injury.

Williams took a bad fall in the latter part of the first quarter in the squad’s 132-105 demolition of Phoenix at Araneta Coliseum and had to be helped off to the dugout.

Lastimosa then went on to say they are “expecting the worst” for the 41-year-old cager, who played for seven minutes and finished with only two points and an assist.

“He has a pulled calf injury. That doesn’t go away very quickly so we’re expecting the worst for Kelly,” the tactician said.

Williams, who recently got a Gilas Pilipinas call-up, has been instrumental for the TNT posting norms of 8.6 markers, 5.5 boards and 1.6 assists per game.

Thankfully for Lastimosa, he has a replacement ready. However, that said replacement is not at a hundred percent just yet.

TNT big man Poy Erram on the bench. –PBA IMAGES

Poy Erram, who has been out of action since the last conference, was set to return for TNT at the end of February but more time was needed for the big man.

Almost without notice, Erram played the fourth quarter in place of an injured Williams.

“He’s at a good 60-65 percent. If he could get to 75 here in the semis, that would be a huge help,” Lastimosa bared.

Back in January, Erram had a procedure done for his misplaced meniscus.

In just five minutes of play, Erram showed glimpses of his old form with six points and three rebounds on a perfect 3-for-3 from the field.

Tropang Giga can expect more minutes for the slowly-returning big man with Williams out of commission.

“I need to use him early and not late. Dave (Marcelo) is still there so we still have a five that can help us. Although, he is kind of offensively challenged but he can hold his own defensively,” told Lastimosa.

“Having Poy come back at this time and knowing Kelly might not be there, I’m not too worried about our position at the five.”