Big lift for TNT

MANILA, Philippines — The TNT KaTropa look to harness the full potential of big man Poy Erram, who finally came on board after a long-delayed trade proposal involving NLEX and Blackwater was finally approved last Friday.

“Big lift for our franchise,” TNT consultant Mark Dickel said of the 6-foot-8 Erram, whom he had a chance to work with during Gilas Pilipinas’ assignment against Indonesia in the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers last week.

“In the short time I worked with him in Gilas, I was so impressed with his mentality and basketball IQ. (He) picks things up well and has a real talent for the defensive end of the court. I think Poy is just scratching the surface of his potential,” he added.

Erram, the 2018 Defensive Player of the Year awardee, is among those expected to be a force in the Philippine Cup that’s missing marquee bigs like San Miguel’s June Mar Fajardo (shin injury) and Ginebra’s Greg Slaughter (on sabbatical).

Erram was the PBA’s top shot blocker in Season 44 with a 2.1 average, complementing this stats with 11.7 points spiked by a 30.2 percent three-point shooting, 7.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 33 games for NLEX last season.

“Poy will be a big help for TNT both on offense and defense. He can shoot treys and his presence in the middle on defense (is a major asset),” said TNT coach Bong Ravena.

The 30-year-old Erram attended TNT’s first team activity yesterday, a tune-up with the Ateneo Blue Eagles. He joined the warmups but didn’t play.

Erram’s entry gave the KaTropa a top talent patrolling the middle to join forces with guards like Jayson Castro and Ray Parks Jr. and forwards like Troy Rosario and RR Pogoy as they aim for their first Philippine Cup title since 2013.

The season-opening tournament will also mark Parks’ first All-Filipino stint. The prolific sophomore started his PBA career last year in the Commissioner’s Cup with Blackwater then joined TNT via trade in the Governors’ Cup.

“We’ve seen what he can do and if he does the best in his ability and performs well, sky is the limit,” team manager Gabby Cui said of Parks, whom TNT has signed to a one-year extension.

“l think I still have a lot to prove,” said Parks, who averaged 12.2 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists in his first conference as a KaTropa.

“I’m excited. It feels good to play with the local talent we have. We have a lot of great talent in the PBA and I just want to showcase mine and have a better year than last year,” he added.