TNT head coach Chot Reyes lauded Poy Erram for the big sacrifice he made to stay with the team in the 2021 Honda PBA Philippine Cup semi-bubble.
The 6-foot-7 center had plenty of reasons to celebrate as his wife just gave birth to a baby boy, Thursday evening. But he could not be with his family yet since he also has to take care of his duties with the Tropang Giga.
“A really huge sacrifice for Poy to be here and we wish Jerrylee, his wife, and baby Isaiah Lucca really well,” said the decorated mentor.
Reyes said that the atmosphere within the Tropang Giga has been jovial since, with everyone in the team glad for Erram.
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“We have a new member of our family,” enthused the 58-year-old bench tactician.
“And everyone was happy for Poy.”
Erram himself played inspired basketball the day after the birth of his son. He had 10 points and seven rebounds as TNT walloped NLEX, 100-85.
“I just wanted to shout it out because that was mighty big of Poy to be focused on this game, and get the job done in spite of everything happening outside of the bubble,” said Reyes after the match at the DHVSU Gym.
Asked if Erram will leave soon to reunite with his family and welcome his son, Reyes said that it might be difficult to do. There are strict health and safety protocols that need observing to and from the semi-bubble.
“I think he’s just going to stay kasi ang hirap nung re-entry protocol, ‘di ba? It’s going to take a few more days before he can come back in,” he said.
But while he waits for that moment to come back home, Erram is just spending much of his time through Facetime.
“Every minute of the day andun siya sa Facetime. Mabuti na lang there’s technology and he’s always on the phone with his wife and baby Isaiah. So hindi siya lalabas.”
