Niagara University Athletics

A 1955 graduate, Erias was called upon to sacrifice individual achievement for team success. And success came his way with a 46-12 combined record over his final two varsity seasons, including two National Invitation Tournament bids. 
As a junior, the 6-foot-4 power player hit several key baskets in overtime to lead Niagara to an 82-76 win over Brigham Young in the 1953 NIT, marking Niagara’s first NIT win. He finished with 12 points. 
As a senior, he had 13 points as part of Niagara’s balanced attack in a 76-66 win over No. 5 La Salle. In the 1954 NIT Tournament, Erias had a team-high 20 points to pace Niagara to a 77-74 win over Dayton in the second round. 
In the final game of his career, Erias tallied a team-best 21 points in a 71-65 win over Western Kentucky in the consolation championship game of the NIT. 
Erias was nominated to play for the United State Olympic Team.
After graduation, he was selected in the fifth round of the 1954 NBA draft by Rochester. He played part of the 1957-58 NBA season with Minneapolis. 
Erias was inducted into the Niagara University Hall of Fame in 1969.