<p>Gilas Pilipinas center Poy Erram has officially retired from the national team a few weeks ahead of the highly anticipated 2023 FIBA World Cup.</p>
<p>The seasoned basketball player announced his departure from the Gilas squad and expressed gratitude to those who placed their trust in him to represent the country on the global stage through a post on social media.</p>
<p>"As I close this chapter of my life. Gusto ko pong magpasalamat sa lahat ng taong nagtiwala at tumulong sakin. Thank you for giving me a chance to fight for my country. Thank you for letting my dreams become a reality," Erram wrote.</p>
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<p>"Just by wearing that jersey having that name in front always gave me goose bumps. Because not a lot of players have that chance to play and represent the country. I know there are players that are more deserving than me but I know that I deserved this," he added.</p>
<p>The 6-foot-7 big man from Talk 'N Text, who was expected to be part of the Gilas 21-man pool for the FIBA World Cup starting on August 25, had been dealing with a knee injury that prevented his participation in the national team's practices. Consequently, his retirement has now been confirmed.</p>
<p>Despite this, the former Ateneo Blue Eagle player clarified that he remains open to playing for the country in the future.</p>
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<div dir="auto">"All I know is this, every time they ask if I&rsquo;m available, I will always say YES kahit una akong sinabihan or last. Kahit practice player lang ok lang kasi alam ko makakatulong ako sa team. I will never say no to my country. I will never get tired of playing for you," he assured.</div>
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<p>Erram first joined Gilas during the 2018 Asian Games. As part of the FIBA World Cup training pool, he was also included in the European training camp held in June, where Gilas faced off against Estonia, Finland, and Lithuania.</p>
<p>However, due to the condition of his knee, he was unable to join the team in the mini-pocket tournament in China, where Gilas competed against <a href="https://www.dzrh.com.ph/post/gilas-secures-impressive-victory-vs-iran-in-china-pocket-tourney-opening" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Iran</a> and <a href="https://www.dzrh.com.ph/post/gilas-pilipinas-bounces-back-at-senegal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Senegal</a>.</p>
<p>Following Erram's exit, the remaining prominent big men for Gilas include <a href="https://www.dzrh.com.ph/post/clarkson-sotto-join-gilas-practice-ahead-fiba-world-cup" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kai Sotto</a>, AJ Edu, and veterans Japeth Aguilar and June Mar Fajardo.</p>
<p>The national team is set to play against the Dominican Republic on August 25.</p>

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Poy Erram retires from Gilas Pilipinas