John Paul Erram, who was picked to join the Gilas Pilipinas last February, is looking forward to a game with Jayson Castro.
Erram said in a recent podcast that Castro’s game has provided inspiration for him to be at his best.
“Si Kuya Jayson Castro talaga kasi alam niyo naman kung paano ‘yung naa-attract niya sa opensa, sa depensa ilang player,” remarked the 6’9” slotman.
Unfortunately, Castro did not make the cut for the national squad that will see action in the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 qualifiers.
So far, the Philippines has played only one game, winning against Indonesia, 100-70, last Feb. 23.
Because of the postponement of games due to lockdowns imposed to stop the spread of the coronavirus pandemic throughout the Southeast Asian region, Gilas will next face Korea if action should resume on Nov. 27.
For now, as the national squad waits for the green light to return to practice, Erram feels that Castro’s game is something worth emulating.
“‘Yung naa-attract niya ‘pag may hawak siya ng bola, dalawa, tatlong players, so talagang excited ako sa mga drop pass niya. For me, easy na lang, ilalagay ko na lang sa ring open na ako,” added Erram.
Even if Castro is not in the national squad, Erram still managed to get a feel on how Castro plays since they are teammates with the TNT KaTropa.
“Kahit sa practice po, magugulat ka na lang ‘yung bola dadating sa kamay mo. Ganoon siya,” added Erram.
Erram was supposed to be part of the nationals last year.
But an injury prevented him from signing up with Gilas during last year’s FIBA World Cup in China.
He was, however, able to recover in time when they took Indonesia in the first leg of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifier.
