FRANZ Pumaren has stepped down as Adamson men’s basketball head coach, the university announced through its social media accounts Thursday night.
A five-time UAAP champion coach, Pumaren ended his five-year tenure with the Falcons, who he steered for three Final Four appearances, to fully concentrate on his duties as Quezon City 3rd District Councilor.
“As Adamson University understands the desire of Coach Franz to give full-time service to his constituents in his district in Quezon City, we announce with a heavy heart that Coach Franz will cease mentoring the Adamson Falcons effective this current year,” the school said in a statement.
Mike Fermin, who handled the Falcons in 2015 before Pumaren took over the following year, will be back manning the San Marcelino-based squad in an interim capacity.
From a perennial also-ran, Adamson became Final Four contenders under Pumaren, as the Falcons barged to the semifinals for three consecutive seasons.
But Adamson could get through in the league’s biggest stage as it was eliminated by La Salle in 2016 and 2017 and was booted out by University of the Philippines despite having a twice-to-beat bonus in 2018.
Lack of experience hounded the Falcons in 2019 as they suffered a four-win season to miss the Final Four. The UAAP failed to stage the men’s basketball tournament last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adamson praised Pumaren for his efforts to become one of the top teams in the league.
Pumaren, who gave the Green Archers five UAAP crowns including a four-peat in 1998-2001, recorded a 31-29 record in his four years with the Falcons.
“The whole Adamson community would like to thank Coach Franz Pumaren for his unselfish sharing of his time and talent with the Adamson Men’s Varsity Team, masterfully lifting once again the standing of the Falcons in the prestigious UAAP League,” the school said.
“His unique brand of coaching has carried the Falcons through several respectable finishes in the last five UAAP seasons which were considered by the Adamson community as the most electrifying Falcon seasons by far.”
“To Coach Franz, we will forever be grateful. We could not have pulled off the Falcons’ comeback in the UAAP podium without you. Maraming salamat!“
