FILE – Gilas Pilipinas’ Poy Erram during a game against Japan in the Fiba Asia Cup. Photo from Fiba
MANILA, Philippines—Former Gilas Pilipinas center Poy Erram has announced his retirement from the national team.
In an Instagram post Saturday night, Erram expressed how grateful he was for the opportunities he had representing the country.
“As I close this chapter of my life, I want to thank the people who trusted and helped me. Thank you for giving me a chance to fight for my country. Thank you for letting my dreams become a reality,” said Erram.
“I know there are players that are more deserving than me but I know that I deserved this. I deserved this for the people that believed in me. I deserved this for the people that hated me. I deserved this for my family and most of all I deserved this for me.”
FILE – Gilas Pilipinas’ Poy Erram during a game against New Zealand in the Fiba Asia Cup. Photo from Fiba
The TNT slotman, however, is keeping his door open.
“All I know is this, every time they ask if I’m available, I will always say yes even if they contact me first or last. Even if it’s to be a practice player it’s okay because I know I can help the team,” said Erram. “I will never say no to my country.”
The 34-year-old Erram was part of Gilas’ 21-man pool for the Fiba World Cup but the former Ateneo star had to beg off due to a right knee injury.
Erram helped Gilas in its lead-up to the upcoming World Cup, including the 2022 Fiba Asia Cup.
Prior to his Gilas training this year, Erram helped the Tropang Giga win the 2023 Governors’ Cup title last April.