Having that extra support and extra motivation got him over the hump.
Poy Erram wasn’t helping out the TNT Tropang Giga as much in the earlier parts of the PBA Governors’ Cup finals facing the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. His antics, some resulted in flagrant fouls, took away some steam from his TNT. In Game 3, another distraction came his way as a fan hurled low blow insults at the 6-foot-8 center’s mother.
That said, Erram was able to refocus as the series continued. The former Gilas Pilipinas big man zeroed in on his tasks, which included slowing down Ginebra’s bulldozer Christian Standhardinger. Aside from his team, helping the TNT big man get back on track was his family.
“Being a player, being a family man, it’s hard. You have to sacrifice everything. For my wife and kids to support me, sobrang laking tulong sa akin,” the 2018 PBA Defensive Player of the Year awardee told PBA correspondent Denise Tan as TNT celebrated its championship win at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday.
“Mentally, lalo na sa ganitong series, hard-fought series. Tinulungan nila ako ma-overcome kung saan ako nahihirapan,” he added.
After, acknowledging the support and the motivation that his wife and kids provide, the former Ateneo Blue Eagle, sent a heartfelt message to his mother.
“Ma, maraming salamat. I know recently lang tayo nag-reconcile. Pero ‘yung feeling na nakasama kita ulit, malaking bagay ‘yun para sa’kin pati sa mga anak ko. I know nandiyan ka para sa pamilya ko. And I know, I’m here for you.”
Having a reconciliation with his mom, a supportive family, and the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup title, Erram must be having the time of his life right now. He’s probably set to play inspired basketball from here on out.