ADAMSON University’s “electrifying Falcon seasons” may now be over.
This is because coach Franz Pumaren will no longer call the shots for the Soaring Falcons to focus on his job as councilor of the third district of Quezon City.
Baby Falcons tactician Mike Fermin will take over from Pumaren on an interim basis.
“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 last Tuesday night.
“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.”
Pumaren, 57, guided the San Marcelino-based five to three straight Final Four runs from 2016 to 2018 since taking over from Fermin.
In a statement, 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.”
With a young core, the Falcons finished with a 4-10 card for sixth in the last UAAP cage wars.
After scrapping its 83rd season due to the health risks and uncertainties brought about by the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, the UAAP is eyeing a September opening this year for its 84th season.
