WHEN Poy Erram went on an outburst in Blackwater's game against NLEX last week, one of the first persons to approach him and calm him down after the game was import Henry Walker.
Since then, Walker has been a positive influence on his teammate.
“Henry is a leader,” Erram said on Wednesday after redeeming himself from the NLEX meltdown with a big game in the Elite's 86-84 win over Magnolia. “He is not like other imports.”
Erram said Walker never fails to motivate his Blackwater teammates during practices and games and has turned into a calming influence for the former.
“Gusto niya ‘yung confidence ng bawat isang player, makuha. Nakikita ko rin kung gaano siya ka-passionate. Sinabihan niya ako na every time na mafa-frustrate ako, sa kanya ako lalapit,” said Erram.
“’Yung experience niya throughout his career, ganun din siya. Siya ang nagpapakalma sa akin. Malaking bagay ‘yun as a player at sa career ko,” said Erram.
The results have been encouraging so far.
Erram finished with 19 points, including 15 points in the second half when the Elite put the game away. The former Ateneo center also grabbed 15 rebounds.
The 6-foot-8 Erram said he is accepting the challenge of being Blackwater’s big man and battling against much-taller imports.
“Basically, sinusunod lang namin plan ni coach kung ano ang gusto niyang gawin. Hindi ko na naiisip kung malalaki ang import or whatever, basta sumusunod lang kami sa game plan, gawin lang namin ng maayos, we will be fine,” said Erram.