AFTER getting a good look on what Poy Erram can do in their time together at Gilas Pilipinas, TNT consultant Mark Dickel is thrilled to have the 6-foot-9 slotman on board at the KaTropa camp.
TNT finally acquired Erram after the revised three-team trade that also involves NLEX and Blackwater was approved by the PBA trade last Friday, giving a KaTropa a talented big man in a Philippine Cup without injured San Miguel giant June Mar Fajardo.
Erram joined Dickel a week after joining forces in Gilas' 100-70 rout of Indonesia in the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers in Jakarta.
"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," said Dickel of their prized acquisition.
The 30-year-old Erram finished as the PBA's top shot blocker in Season 44, averaging 2.1 a game, to go with 11.7 points and 7.8 rebounds. In his lone Gilas game under Dickel, Erram posted five markers, two boards and two steals in 18 minutes on the floor.
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In exchange for Erram, TNT released frontliners Yousef Taha and Marion Magat as well as guard Ed Dquioag from its current roster.
"He's a big lift to our franchise. We are thrilled to have him. We gave up a lot of good players and assets to get him," said Dickel as he thanked the trio for their effort and professionalism."
TNT coach Bong Ravena said Erram's entry boosted the KaTropa's ammo on both ends.
"Poy will be a big help for TNT both on offense and defense. He can shoot three's and his presence in the middle on defense (is a major asset)," said Ravena.
Erram returns to the franchise that drafted him in 2013. (OL)
