Pumaren confirms: UE tried to acquire Subido

Manila, Philippines – After Renzo Subido was released by the De La Salle Green Archers over the summer, sources informed Rappler that the University of the East Red Warriors tried to acquire the two-time scoring champion in the Jr. UAAP tournament.

During the UAAP Season 77 press conference Monday, July 7, new UE head coach Derrick Pumaren confirmed the report, saying that the team did in fact aim to snag the services of the scoring point guard.

“We tried that. I’ll be honest, we tried that,” Pumaren mentioned in an exclusive interview with Rappler during the press conference at Gloria Maris restaurant, Gateway Mall.

He also mentioned that discussions between him and Subido’s family took place, with the possibility of the young player taking his talents to Recto as the main topic.

“I was able to talk to them. I was able to sit down with them. Since La Salle had released him already, we tried to see if he wanted to play for UE.”

A sought-after recruit out of De La Salle Zobel, Subido originally committed to UST, taking the same route as former La Salle Zobel Junior Archer turned University of Sto. Tomas Growling Tiger Jeric Fortuna.

But a few weeks later, Subido changed his mind, opting to go to De La Salle University and play for the Green Archers instead. He cited in an exclusive conversation that it was the university’s engineering program that stirred his decision to alter course.

Subido suited up for DLSU’s first game against, ironically, University of the East in the 2014 FilOil preseason tournament. However, he did not see action.

In the Green Archers’ next contest against Jose Rizal University, the crafty combo guard was not seen in the arena. Later on, La Salle assistant coach Allan Caidic confirmed to Rappler that Subido had opt out of his spot in the roster after having a discussion with Head Coach Juno Sauler.

Subido eventually went back to UST, but also got an offer to become a Red Warrior.

“He was practicing with UST, then went to La Salle, then back to UST. So, I think nahiya si Renzo, (I think Renzo got shy)” added the new UE head coach, who said that may have been why Subido did not accept University of the East’s offer.

Had Subido played for the Red Warriors, he would most likely back-up veteran guard Roi Sumang, whose game resembles that of the former La Salle Zobel guard.

Subido led the Jr. UAAP in scoring in Seasons 75 and 76 and was a Mythical 5 member in the former year. In his senior campaign, he averaged 20.1 PPG on 57% shooting and led the tournament in three-pointers made.

READ: Renzo Subido: From Palaro to the UAAP

In an exclusive conversation with Rappler, new UST head coach Bong Dela Cruz did not confirm whether or not Subido would start at point guard right away for the Growling Tigers – but he did mention if the youngster develops soon, such would be the case. – Rappler.com