NLEX head coach Yeng Guiao set the record straight that he and Poy Erram never had any conflict, contrary to the rumors that have recently circulated online.
Rumors said that their relationship had gone sour, which was the reason for the 6-foot-7 slotman’s move to the TNT KaTropa via three-team trade that also involves the Blackwater Elite.
The proposed trade was sent to the PBA office last Monday, but the league sought its revision the following day, leaving everyone in the mix waiting for the final decision.
“Just to set the record straight, wala kaming pinag-awayan ni Poy,” the straightforward Guiao said Wednesday.
“You can ask him if he’s happy here or if he’s not. But we are happy with him. I think he’s happy with us. So that’s not the reason for the trade.”
Erram also cleared the air on Tuesday regarding the rumors, saying that it is unfair especially for Guiao, to whom he is immensely thankful for the opportunities he has received.
The six-year pro also said that he remains a Road Warrior until a decision arrives. He proved as much when he showed up in NLEX’s tuneup versus Alaska at the Upper Deck Sports Center in Pasig.
Erram was even in uniform, though he did not see action in the Road Warriors’ 104-89 victory.
Guiao appreciates what the 30-year-old big man has been doing given the current situation.
“Siya, talagang nagpupunta siya sa practice. Gusto niya pa makasama ‘yung mga teammates niya even though he knows there’s a pending development,” the 60-year-old mentor said.
“He comes to practice really and doesn’t miss anything — even itong game, hindi niya alam kung maglalaro siya o hindi, dumating pa rin siya. This morning we had an eight to ten practice, andun pa rin siya.”
The league has yet to decide on the trade as of this posting. So for Guiao and NLEX, they will simply relish the time they have with Erram, who arrived to the Road Warriors prior to the 2019 season.
“We still consider him as part of the team until may final ano na roon sa trade. We’re just trying to relish our last few days together.”
