POY Erram said he is mentally ready this time for TNT’s rematch against Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Governors’ Cup finals after being involved in a controversy the last time both teams faced each other in the finals.
In the 2023 finals showdown, Erram was involved in a heckling incident when he received below-the-belt jeers from a fan, leaving him in tears during an interview with reporters after he revealed that the remarks were directed towards his mother.
This time around, Erram vowed to be unmindful of what will be said by the fans during what is expected to be an intense series between the Tropang Giga and the Gin Kings.
“Imaginary ear plug, sabi nga ng wife ko,” said Erram. “I need to be more focused on my teammates and myself. ‘Yun ang importante. I’m more mentally ready now coming this series.”
Erram is aware that any mental lapse in a championship series could cost TNT especially against a potent Barangay Ginebra team eager to take the title after the Gin Kings lost during their initial face-off for the crown.
“I always mind myself and my teammates only, make sure na every time na may mangyayari, I always look at myself, take a deep breath, and knowing how important I am this series,” said Erram, who averaged 8.21 points and 4.42 rebounds for the Tropang Giga this conference.
His hunger towards winning a championship is helping Erram in keeping the right mindset for the title series after his career took a downturn when he sustained an MCL tear, swollen cartilage, and bone spurs that kept him out for an extended period.
“I’m even hungrier kasi I was out for a year and a half. ‘Yung mga pinagdaanan ko, I just stayed loyal doon sa work. I just stayed consistent. Sobrang blessed na nabigyan uli ako ng chance ni Lord na makapaglaro, and then healthy sa conference na ‘to. Excited uli ako na Ginebra ang makakalaban especially ‘yung mga tao always rooting for them. Excited to see the crowd,” said Erram.
But Erram is aware that the championship won’t be handed with a silver platter even though he will no longer have to deal with Christian Standhardinger in the paint after he was traded by the Gin Kings to Terrafirma before the season.
“Kahit ano sabihin mo, nasa finals pa rin sila. They are still a strong team. They are capable kahit wala si Christian. Siyempre, hindi mo puwedeng sabihin na mahina sila. They have coach Tim. They have Japeth, especially Brownlee and Scottie. Malaki ‘yung gap na nawala pero ang laki nung bumalik sila. For me, ready lang kami defensively, ‘yung scheme namin,” Erram said.
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