MANILA, Philippines – The news that veteran center Poy Erram will miss the rest of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals because of a damaged meniscus in his left knee dealt a serious blow to TNT Tropang Giga’s championship hopes. Erram’s campaign is over due to the injury, which necessitates surgery. TNT’s already thin frontcourt faces a big gap as they attempt to prolong the series against the San Miguel Beermen.

Erram persevered in playing despite suffering a high-grade ankle sprain in Game 2, but in Game 4, he sustained yet another injury. His torn meniscus was discovered during additional medical evaluation as a result of the cramping and edema he was experiencing. His return won’t happen until long after the current conference is complete because he has surgery planned and will need three to four months to recover.

As his team fought their way to an 86-78 victory at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, forcing a Game 6, he was conspicuously absent from Game 5 and sat on the bench dressed in street clothes. Erram supported and encouraged his colleagues from the sidelines, giving counsel at crucial times despite being unable to participate on the court. For a team that has relied largely on its veterans during this injury-plagued year, his leadership is still vital.

Because Erram had an impact on both ends of the floor, his departure is very sad. Few players on TNT’s roster can match Erram’s physical presence, which is well-known for his abilities to anchor the paint, rebound, and play interior defense. His dedication to the team’s cause was demonstrated earlier in the series when he chose to play through pain. He hasn’t spoken any regret about his decision to persevere through injury, but that fortitude came at a price. He saw playing while injured as a way to fulfill his obligations to the TNT franchise and his teammates.

Head coach Chot Reyes must reorganize his already understaffed rotation now that Erram is officially out. Key players Jayson Castro and Rey Nambatac were already absent from TNT’s lineup, and Calvin Oftana and Kelly Williams have been in and out due to health concerns. Due to the loss of a key frontcourt option due to Erram’s injury, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Glenn Khobuntin, and other role players are now expected to perform better under pressure.

Although Ganuelas-Rosser has displayed glimpses of his ability during the playoffs, he will now have to defend June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel, a consistent MVP who is notorious for controlling the paint. In the forthcoming games, TNT’s interior defense will be put to the test frequently since Khobuntin’s adaptability and hustle will be more heavily relied upon without a real rim protector to support them.

During this summit, the Tropang Giga demonstrated their capacity to withstand hardship. They have demonstrated perseverance and discipline in spite of injuries and roster restrictions. That was demonstrated in Game 5, as a number of players came through and performed well under duress to maintain their prospects of making it to the finals. However, TNT needs to find a method to make up for the loss of one of their most dependable veterans because the Beermen only need one more victory to recapture the Philippine Cup.

Erram’s departure changes TNT’s defensive identity in addition to the rotation. As a rebounder and shot-blocker who could contest shots and support defensive systems, he was frequently the last line of defense. In order to avoid half-court setups, where they are now more exposed, the team will need to rapidly adjust without him. This may mean changing matchups, double the post, or increasing the speed.

Erram is supposed to continue participating in team activities even though he is on the sidelines. He will still be present at practices and games, offering leadership and moral support from the sidelines. His presence will be very beneficial, especially for the younger players who are now being given more responsibility. Erram, who is well-known for his outspoken style and mentoring mentality, can still have an influence on the game from the sidelines.