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Guiao explains decision to trade for Erram

Coach Yeng Guiao sees Poy Erram as the best guy for the NLEX job. Aldrin Alejo (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--When NLEX coach Yeng Guiao uttered "Sa amin na ito!" prior to selecting Paul Desiderio as the fourth overall pick of the Philippine Basketball Association Draft, many deduced that Guiao and the team were for a surprise.

But an even bigger surprise happened right after the proceedings as reports began to surface that Desiderio and Abu Tratter will be sent to Blackwater for Poy Erram.

[Related Story: NLEX confirms Erram trade with Blackwater for Desiderio, Tratter]

One day after the trade was officially approved after two revisions, Guiao revealed the rationale behind the much-talked-about swap.

"Poy, I think, is the right fit for our team," said Guiao.

However, he further bared that many teams were on the lookout on the six-foot-eight center, who has vastly improved and has even become a star for the Elite before the trade to the Road Warriors happened.

"I think we just got lucky," Guiao, who also coached Erram with Gilas Pilipinas, further said.

However, Guiao is also aware of what NLEX had to give up just to get Erram.

"Medyo mataas yung cost sa amin. We lost Alex [Mallari], Dave [Marcelo], our fourth and seventh pick picks, then we lost Mike [Miranda]. Can you imagine all of those for Poy Erram?" Guiao continued.

With Erram scoring a team-high 15 points in a 95-90 win against the TNT KaTropa in a tune-up at the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center, it seemed like the Road Warriors paid dividends.

"We just want to be able to make sure that it’s worth it," Guiao concluded.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno