For Poy Erram, he remains an NLEX Road Warrior until everything becomes official.
The vastly-improved 6-foot-7 slotman said as much after becoming the center of a three-team trade involving NLEX, Blackwater Elite, and the TNT KaTropa, where he is destined to land.
A report came out Tuesday saying the PBA has sought revision of the complicated trade that includes players Ed Daquioag and Anthony Semerad, as well as a bevy of future draft picks.
“As long as wala pang lumalabas at ang paper ko nasa NLEX pa, ‘yung buong pagkatao ko NLEX pa,” Erram said on Tuesday, moments after Gilas Pilipinas’ practice at the Meralco Gym in Pasig.
Erram admitted he felt saddened when he learned about the news of him being shipped to TNT, since he believed that he would remain with the Road Warriors until the end of his contract.
And he also knows that coach Yeng Guiao wouldn’t just trade away players, especially those his team needs.
“Expected ko na hanggang mag-expire ang kontrata ko, doon ako. And alam ko si coach Yeng, hindi basta-basta magte-trade ng player kasi alam niya kung ano kailangan ng team. So, ayun. Malungkot.”
Regarding Guiao, though, Erram cleared the air about rumors that his relationship with the fiery mentor has gone sour.
“Unfair rin naman kay coach Yeng at saka sa akin na may lumalabas na ganoon. Kung gusto nilang makita kung gano kami ka-okay ni coach Yeng, pumunta sila sa practice,” he said.
“‘Wag sila magsalita ng masama kasi mapapasama rin ang pangalan ko. And then, wala naman sa ugali ko na sabihan ko ang coach ko na ganoon. Kami ni coach Yeng, maayos naman. Alam ng mga teammates ko sa NLEX. Alam ng management kung gaano kami ka-okay ni coach Yeng. And very thankful ako kay coach Yeng. Siya nagdala sa akin sa Gilas eh. Wala akong karapatan na maglabas ng negative, magbigay ng pahayag na masama. ‘Yun lang,” he continued.
“Gusto kong maayos ko lang ang pangalan ko at ni coach Yeng. ‘Di kami magkaaway, at lalong hindi kami mag-aaway kasi okay na okay kami ni coach Yeng.”
So now that everyone awaits the league’s decision, Erram reiterated his commitment to the Road Warriors.
“Kanina, nag-practice kami. Last game naglaro ako. Tomorrow, may game ako against Alaska. NLEX pa rin, hangga’t wala pa,” he said. “As much as possible, gusto ko maging professional.
“‘Yung papel ko, doon pa sa NLEX. Ayoko naman na pumangit, mapasama pa ang pangalan ko. And unfair rin naman sa NLEX management. Ako naman, NLEX pa rin ang dadalhin kong jersey.”
