PATTAYA, Thailand – Gilas Pilipinas coach Norman Black said Poy Erram is a major boost as it begins their 33rd Southeast Asian Games men’s basketball campaign on Sunday against Malaysia at the Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok.
Erram arrived on Saturday morning in Bangkok shortly after the announcement from the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas that the TNT center has replaced the spot of newly-crowned NCAA MVP Allen Liwag due to an injury.
READ: Poy Erram makes it to SEA Games as Gilas replacement for Liwag
Even though he is a late replacement, Erram already joined practices of the Gilas SEA Games while the SBP was still in the process of finalizing their line-up.
“Poy brings a lot of veteran presence to our team, and I think he will help us in terms of size that we lost due to the eligibility rules,” said Black. “So Poy will be coming in to help us, particularly on the defensive end.”
The Philippines faces Malaysia on Sunday, 11:30 a.m. local time (12:30 p.m.) to begin its title defense.
The line-up is an unconventional mix of PBA, Japan B.League, and collegiate players.
Leading the way is Ray Parks, who was able to get clearance from his Japan B.League squad Osaka Evessa to play for the national team while in the middle of their season.
Parks has the most experience in SEA Games play and is going for his fourth gold following stints in 2011, 2013, and 2017 when he was still an amateur player.
Jamie Malonzo, on the other hand, is the lone player from the main Gilas Pilipinas pool under Tim Cone as he has no commitments from any club team.
Joining Parks are Thirdy Ravena, Matthew Wright, Robert Bolick, Von Pessumal, Dalph Panopio, Abu Tratter, Justin Chua, Cedrick Manzano, and Veejay Pre.
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