Richard Dy 6y

Blackwater boss: JP Erram can play for Gilas after injury to June Mar Fajardo

Philippines Basketball

With San Miguel Beermen star center June Mar Fajardo out for at least six weeks due to a stress fracture on his right shin, Blackwater owner Dioceldo Sy is willing to let John Paul Erram play for Gilas Pilipinas if the former Ateneo big man's services are needed.

"It's given for us to let Poy play for Gilas," Sy told ESPN5 on Saturday, referring to Erram. "It's our share of serving the national team as we give back to our country."

On Friday, SMB manager Gee Abanilla relayed the bad news to the media after the four-time league MVP's recent medical checkup.

Gilas opened the Asian Games with an explosive 96-59 rout of Kazakhstan, before dropping a narrow 82-80 defeat to powerhouse China. The Filipinos' road to the gold will be tough, though, as they face the dangerous South Koreans this Monday in a knockout quarterfinal match.

The Blackwater boss is happy to see the 29-year-old Erram grow his skills further under the guidance of Gilas coach Yeng Guiao and veteran big men in the national team like Asi Taulava and Beau Belga.

"Poy definitely gets to mature a lot and gain more experience playing internationally," Sy said.

Guiao is set to extend his services for the national team after being tasked recently by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas to coach Gilas in the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifier in lieu of suspended coach Chot Reyes.

Gilas plays Iran on Sept. 13 in Tehran, before returning to Manila to host Qatar on Sept. 17 in a closed-door match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Given the limited resources of front-line players, Guiao will have just three weeks to select someone who can take Fajardo's spot.

The 6-foot-10 Fajardo was one of just three Gilas players who were not suspended following the brawl between the Philippines and Australia on July 2 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

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