Huge work awaits Erram-fortified TNT
Credit to Author: Josef T. Ramos, TMT| Date: Sat, 29 Feb 2020 17:01:02 +0000
They may have acquired a legitimate center in JP Erram, but TNT KaTropa team governor Ricky Vargas is hedging his bets.
Vargas, also the Philippine Basketball Association chairman, said his team needed to work on their chemistry after acquiring Erram via a three-team trade involving the KaTropa, Northern Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Blackwater last Friday.
“We already have a legitimate center, but we need to learn to blend in with each other and develop chemistry,” Vargas told The Manila Times in a phone interview on Saturday, downplaying the expectation of the fans for next week’s Season 45 PBA Philippine Cup despite getting Erram.
Erram averaged 11.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks last season.
“We have a lot of work to do and, hopefully, we get better as the conference progresses,” he said.
He said rivals San Miguel Beer, Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia remain competitive this season because of their experience and chemistry.
TNT coach Bong Ravena said Erram would play a huge role in the rotation — offensively and defensively.
“Poy (Erram) will be a big help for TNT both offense and defense. He can shoot threes and his presence in the middle on defense is a great boost defensively,” said Ravena, who also have Simon Enciso, rookie Kib Montalbo and recently signed Bobby Ray Parks Jr. and Lervin Flores.
Erram became officially a TNT KaTropa player after the PBA approved the newly revised three-team trade deal that involved new players.
According to the PBA official website, the 6’7 Erram was sent by NLEX to Blackwater for the 6’10 Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Anthony Semerad. In addition to that, the Road Warriors received the rights to the Elite’s 2020 first round pick and 2021 second round draft pick.
Then, Blackwater shipped Erram to the KaTropa for Yousef Taha, Ed Daquioag and Marion Magat, plus TNT’s 2021 and 2022 first round picks.