By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Gilas Pilipinas just can’t catch a break.
After entering their FIBA World Cup intensive training camp with a load of their stars sidelined due to injuries, another one recently floated up as big man Poy Erram will no longer suit up for the national team due to bone spurs.
Gilas’ head coach Chot Reyes confirmed the recent development during an episode of CNN’s Sportsdesk last July 27, 2023.
“Poy Erram has had knee issues. MRI showed that he has impediments and material in his right knee,” Reyes said.
Bone spurs are a type of injury where the growth forms in the joint or the spine that causes further damage in the muscles and the tendons.
The unusual bone formation in the area will quickly cause discomfort and will become painful eventually when the bone impedes the joints.
Reyes added that Erram will be taking this time to get his bone spurs removed before undergoing the necessary rehabilitation treatment.
Erram became one of the national team’s two-way players who can also stretch the floor with his three-point prowess. Aside from this, his familiarity with coach Reyes’ system is one of the biggest things why he was called up to don the blue and white colors of Gilas.
With the loss of Erram, Gilas will be down to a limited frontcourt pool but is yet to confirm if they will be calling for reinforcement to the PBA.
A month ago, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial already announced that they are willing to lend more players if coach Reyes and Gilas will send a request.
The coaching staff will have to double time regarding their roster finalization as the other FIBA nations already revealed their competing pool.
