TNT center Poy Erram decided to forego undergoing surgery for his fractured cheekbone.
Doctors advised there's no need for the veteran big man to seek operation, but cautioned him to be careful with his face not to be hit again especially during games.
"Sabi naman ng doctor hindi na kailangan operahan basta ingatan lang siya," said the 6-foot-8 Erram.
But he admitted still feeling some numbness on the injured area, not to mention the risk he had to endure playing through it.
"Actually delikado (talaga)," added Erram, who has already been fitted with a mask he needs to wear during games.
"Nahihirapan din kasi akong magsuot ng mask, e. Nakakasagabal din minsan," he said. "Pero siguro kapag kailangan na lang talaga."
Erram suffered the fracture during the Philippine Cup bubble in Bacolor, Pampanga last year when he banged his face on the floor of the Don Honorio Ventura State University gym while chasing a loose ball during Game 4 of the semifinals between TNT and San Miguel.
As he laid on the floor, Mo Tautuaa inadvertently fell on top of Erram, whose face hit the floor anew from the sheer impact of the San Miguel big man's weight.
He did play with a protective mask the next game, but opted to take it off later on.
"Minsan kasi naiilang ako, nahihirapan ako," Erram admitted.
But the good thing, the injury will heal on itself without surgery needed.
"Maghi-heal naman daw siya on itself. Siguro mga two or three months," added the TNT stalwart.
Since the injury though, Erram has already won a first PBA championship when the Tropang Giga ruled the all-Filipino Cup last year, and continues to play for the team in all of its four outings in the Governors' Cup prior to the suspension of the games.
The current break at least gives him some time to really recover from the injury. TAKEN FROM PBA.PH