TNT center Poy Erram reacts during Game 7 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against Ginebra.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—At the end of a thrilling seven-game war in the PBA Finals, one thing overcame Poy Erram among other emotions; his love and appreciation for his best friend and former teammate Troy Rosario.
Erram tipped his hat to his good buddy Rosario, who was barely a factor for Ginebra in the latter part of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, after the TNT Tropang Giga outlasted the Gin Kings in Game 7 at Araneta Coliseum on Friday.
“Me and Troy, we’re best friends. I have no ill will towards him. Whatever happens, I’m there for him,” said an exhausted Erram following TNT’s 87-83 overtime win over Ginebra.
READ: PBA: Poy Erram, Chot Reyes hug it out after TNT title win
Other than winning another PBA title, Poy Erram also relishes the battles he had with good friend, Troy Rosario. #PBAFinals @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/fXtU7YdO4f
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) March 28, 2025
“This isn’t the end of his career. He’s young. We’re both still young,” added the 35-year-old Erram.
Rosario, 33, raised some concerns for the Ginebra faithful when he sat out the majority of the Finals.
Erram acknowledged that Rosario’s limited minutes in the grandest stage were due to an ankle injury.
In fact, in the last game of the conference, Rosario played just 11 minutes for Ginebra to score two points.
Still, that didn’t stop Erram from commending his best friend as he rooted for the former Blackwater star’s recovery heading forward.
More than basketball
Erram and Rosario’s solid bond isn’t just limited to the both of them.
The four-time PBA champion revealed it wasn’t just Rosario who helped him out during a time of confusion but also the forward’s wife.
“Nobody knows this but me and my wife but Troy’s wife has been a huge help for me, she messages me, asks me how I am and that was a big help,” said Erram.
READ: PBA: Poy Erram makes amends, done being a distraction for TNT
The emotional big man faced backlash online recently from screaming at teammate Glenn Khobuntin in the semis to having a verbal spat with coach Chot Reyes in Game 5 of the Finals.
Rosario and his family were also there for Erram when the TNT center became the brunt of social media insults.
“Troy, meanwhile, calls me and always tells me to block out the noise. I’m so blessed that even if we’re opponents, he still shows his concern. We’re friends first,” said Erram before looking around the Big Dome’s tunnel.
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Coincidentally, while Erram was pouring his heart out for Rosario, the Ginebra forward appeared on his way out of Araneta Coliseum.
Erram called Rosario’s attention before shaking his hand and thanking him.
