TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa denied having a hand in the re-entry of Poy Erram in the decisive fourth quarter of Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
The PBA great said it’s never his job to meddle in the substitution pattern of the coaching staff during games, nor will he "go out of my way to do it."
“I would never suggest a substitution to our staff,” said Lastimosa, reacting to the story that came out in the Sources Say section of SPIN.ph hinting that he interceded to have the 35-year-old Erram be brought back to the game following his outburst late in the third period after a non-call on his layup against Justine Brownlee. Perhaps in frustration, he fouled the Barangay Ginebra import in the next sequence.
SOURCES SAY Did Jolas intercede for Erram's return in Game Two?
Erram was called by coach Chot Reyes following that foul and this didn't seem to sit well with the player who briefly retreated to the TNT dugout apparently to cool down. He later returned to the TNT bench just before the third period ended.
The 6-foot-8 Ateneo product was brought back to the game shortly after Lastimosa was seen going down from his regular courtside seat and approaching deputy coach Josh Reyes to whisper something. In turn, Reyes went over to fellow assistant Sandy Arespachocaga and Chot Reyes to relay something.
A few minutes later, Erram was called back to action.
Lastimosa, 61, the only team manager who doesn’t sit on the team bench, did admit leaving his seat and talking to Reyes, but not to advice that Erram be fielded back.
“I did go up to Josh but to suggest a defensive cover,” said Lastimosa, himself a PBA champion coach who steered the Tropang Giga to the 2023 Governors’ Cup championship.
“I'm not into interfering in their (coaches') decisions in games.”
He added if ever suggestions are made, "exchanging of ideas happen after the game in practice."
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