Injured big man Poy Erram will no longer continue his bid to seek a slot in the final lineup of Gilas Pilipinas for the 2023 FIBA World Cup because of a knee injury.
Erram expressed his desire to quit and retire from national team duty on Instagram, while members of the Gilas Pilipinas national men’s basketball pool continued to get used to the presence of Utah Jazz cager Jordan Clarkson.
“As I close this chapter of my life 🇵🇭. Gusto ko pong magpasalamat sa lahat ng taong nagtiwala at tumulong sakin. Thank you for giving me a chance to fight for my country. Thank you for letting my dreams become a reality. Just by wearing that jersey having that name in front always gave me goose bumps. Because not a lot of players have that chance to play and represent the country. I know there are players that are more deserving than me but I know that I deserved this,” said Erram in his social media post.
Erram normed 5.8 points and 2.3 rebounds in the four games he played for Gilas.
With Erram’s absence, Gilas will miss three players at this time, with Kai Sotto and Scottie Thompson still on the injury list as well.
Thompson hurt his right hand during a Philippine team practice in Lithuania last July 6, but still practices with Gilas in the running drills.
Sotto sustained a back problem during his last stint with the Orlando Magic in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas and will have to content himself with light workouts, while getting clearance from the doctor for him to do heavier workouts.
Because of the situation involving the team, Gilas coach Chot Reyes said they will take their time picking the team’s final 12.
“We are not in a hurry. We have 24 hours before the team managers’ meeting to make a final decision,” said Reyes.
Since his arrival, Clarkson is still adapting to the humid conditions and getting over his jet lag.
“He is adjusting since the first practice. He needs to sleep at the right time. And he has to fight off sleep when it’s not the right time,” said Reyes.
Team Philippines is getting ready for their first game against the Dominican Republic on August 25 at the Araneta Coliseum, with NBA star Karl Anthony Towns around.
The 7’0” Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves has committed to play for the Dominican Republic in the World Cup.
“I can’t wait to go suit up again, put that jersey on and play some amazing FIBA World Cup basketball. I’ll see you on the court. I’ll see you over there in the Philippines,” Towns said.
