While he was already projected as a major player for the NLEX Road Warriors from the moment he arrived, Poy Erram is more thrilled to have the opportunity to pick the brains of two of the best big men in the PBA.
The 6-foot-7 Erram has many players to study, from the seasoned JR Quiñahan to 2003 league MVP Asi Taulava, who is considered as one of the greatest and most dominant centers to grace the league.
“Sina kuya Asi, kuya JR, ang laki ng tulong for me as a player. Lalo sa career ko, kasi yung mga natutunan nila throughout their careers, matuturo nila sa’kin,” said the 29-year-old during the PBA Media Day, Thursday in Solaire Hotel, Resorts, and Casino.
In terms of improvement, the five-year pro is certain Quiñahan and Taulava – both champions in the league – will be of great help, so he’s more than willing to take anything they tell him, since it will be for his own good.
“Malaking bagay when it comes to improvement, kasi nga andyan sina kuya Asi, sina kuya JR, yung mga veterans. Nandiyan sila para turuan ako kung ano yung mga ginagawa kong mali,” shared the one-time all-star.
“So for that, I’m willing to i-accept yung mga criticisms nila kasi that’s for my own good naman eh, para mas mag-improve pa ko and para mas mag-improve pa yung team.”
It has been weeks since Erram arrived at NLEX from his former team Blackwater Elite. But he isn’t finding it hard to jell with his new teammates, as he has played with some of them before, with Gilas Pilipinas and with Ateneo.
Erram has played with Taulava during the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta. He also spent some time with Juami Tiongson and Kiefer Ravena back in their Blue Eagles days, where they won championships in the UAAP.
“‘Di naman ako masyado nahirapan kasi yun nga winelcome nila ako ng maayos. Si kuya Asi nakasama ko na rin sa Gilas. Yung iba former teammates ko nung college, so alam na nila yung ugali ko, alam ko rin ugali nila,” he said.
“May mga konting adjustments pa sa chemistry … Pero pagdating dun sa attitude ng mga player, attitude ko towards them, okay naman kami lahat.”
