On Tuesday, TNT Tropang 5G center Poy Erram played in just his second game back after missing significant time due to injuries. In that game, the Tropang 5G suffered an 88-83 loss to the NLEX Road Warriors as the veteran big struggled. Afterward, he admitted he is still adjusting and trying to find his rhythm.
“Actually hindi pa ako nakaka‑adjust. Mahirap pa kasi siyempre ‘yung rhythm wala pa, kita naman sa laro,” said Erram.
Against NLEX, the 6‑foot‑8 big man finished with 2 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block in 7 minutes of action. In his first game of the PBA Governors’ Cup against the San Miguel Beermen, Erram had a better offensive outing, recording 12 points, 1 rebound, and 1 block in 13 minutes.
Still Competing Against the Top Teams
Since Erram’s return, TNT has gone 1-1 in the Governors’ Cup, defeating the Beermen in a shocker before falling to NLEX on Tuesday.
Despite the loss, Erram said he is proud of how the Tropang 5G have continued to compete against the league’s top teams despite being shorthanded.
“Kahit papaano nakapag‑compete naman kami sa top teams, which is NLEX. We are happy, although kahit kulang nga kami sa team, diba, kahit papaano we know we can compete kahit kulang‑kulang kami,” Erram added.
TNT is not just missing players—it is also without several of its primary scoring options.
RR Pogoy remains sidelined with a hyperextended knee. Jordan Heading is out with a shoulder injury, while Calvin Oftana is still recovering from a foot infection. Veteran players Jayson Castro and Kelly Williams also remain unavailable.
Even so, players like Rey Nambatac and Kim Aurin have done their best to help carry the load, embodying the team’s next-man-up mentality.
TNT will have an opportunity to bounce back when they face the Titan Ultra Giant Risers this Saturday, August 8, at the Ynares Center in Montalban as they look to improve to 4-3 in the Group A standings.
