PBA: TNT big man Poy Erram sprains ankle, out for few weeks

TNT big man Poy Erram. –PBA IMAGES

ANTIPOLO—Poy Erram is expected to miss some action for TNT in the PBA On Tour after spraining his right ankle in losing its initial assignment of the exhibition series to NorthPort on Friday here.

It was Erram himself who made that estimation following the injury which happened with less than eight minutes left in the Tropang Giga’s 99-90 defeat inside Ynares Center when he and teammate Paul Varilla were challenging Paolo Taha’s layup attempt.

“It’s really sore. It’s like I swallowed a large ball,” said Erram in Filipino. “Give or take, I’ll probably be out for about one to two weeks.”

Erram was the only key player from TNT’s Governors’ Cup title run who opted to play in the series after Mikey Williams, RR Pogoy, Calvin Oftana, Kelly Williams and Jayson Castro were not included in the On Tour roster.

In order to fill the void, the Tropang Giga signed up San Beda players Damie Cuntapay, Clifford Jopia, Peter Alfaro and JV Gallego, who were permitted to join the On Tour after filing a special license from the Games and Amusements Board.

Coach and team manager Jojo Lastimosa has also elected to let assistant Sandy Arespacochaga call the shots for the Tropang Giga in the series.

The TNT center, who was out for most of the PBA Governors’ Cup after a knee procedure, had 10 points, seven rebounds and four assists before twisting his ankle.

“I really wanted to show up, I really wanted to play because I don’t want to waste my time,” Erram said. “Unfortunately, I got hurt so I have no choice but to rest once more.”