Nothing can keep a good man down.
Prior to leaving for Jakarta, Indonesia for the 2018 Asian Games, a tree fell on JP Erram’s car hours before their departure last August 12.
Sixteen days later, Erram dove for a loose ball during Gilas Pilipinas’ game against South Korea. Besides the loss, the 6-foot-8 big man also chipped a front tooth as he slid down the floor.
But once he came back home, a hefty reward was waiting for him.
Based on reports, the five-year pro is set to ink a contract of a lifetime – a three-year deal to stay with the Blackwater Elite for the next three years worth a whopping PHP 15,000,000.
And it’s a pleasant surprise for Erram after going through so many unfortunate events leading up to that moment.
“Nabasa ko lang. Nagulat ako kasi sobrang dami na nagco-congratulate sa’kin. Hindi ko alam kung bakit. Yun pala may ganun ngang nangyari,” shared Erram, the only remnant from the original Blackwater team.
“Pero ngayon focus muna ko dito sa Gilas. Yun lang muna priority ko.”
The contract Erram is about to sign is a breath of fresh air for him. And he is incredibly grateful for the blessings that have been coming his way – including a possible stint in the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
“Thankful pa rin ako. Sa daming nangyari sa buhay ko, blessing talaga yung nasali ako sa national team,” expressed Erram, who was supposed to be part of the national team pool back in 2016. “Pag-uwi ko, nabigyan pa ‘ko ng ganun na kontrata.
“Thankful ako pero hindi ko ite-take for granted yung mga ganitong opportunity.”
Erram made his return to Blackwater last Wednesday, showing that every penny of that contract was worth it when he sunk two clutch free throws to lift the Elite past the San Miguel Beermen in a stunner, 93-90.
As he juggles his duties for Gilas and Blackwater, Erram is hoping that he could send a message to the younger generation – that hard work really pays off.
“Sacrifice. Yun yung hindi nakikita ng mga tao. Sana ma-appreciate ito ng lahat ng tao.”
