Franz Pumaren: Adamson’s mission is to win a championship

MANILA, Philippines – It didn’t take long for new Adamson Soaring Falcons head coach Franz Pumaren to raise the expectations of his insertion into the university basketball program.

During the school’s press conference officially introducing him as the new Soaring Falcons coach, the multi-titled UAAP champion made his mission in San Marcelino clear:

“We’re here to give Adamson a championship,” said Pumaren, dressed in Adamson blue, with the university’s jacket draped over him. “And of course, with the full backing of the Adamson family and the management, I think we will be there always fighting for the school.”

Pumaren has coached both in the UAAP and in the PBA, but experienced more success in the former. Mentoring the DLSU Green Archers from 1998 to 2009, he led the team to a total 115-47 record which includes 5 titles (6 if you count the one rescinded in 2004), as well as 3 other finals appearances.

With his track record, many will expect an improvement from Adamson’s 4-24 record over the past two seasons.

“It’s a honor and of course, I’d like to thank the Adamson community, management, for trusting and believing in our program,” said Pumaren, who’s been given 3 years by Adamson brass to turn things around.

“I know for a fact it’s going to be a long haul and our direction, really, is to re-build our program.”

Pumaren says he looks at the Soaring Falcons as a new business with him in charge of building it up from the ground, but being respectable in the UAAP is a goal that they want to accomplish right away.

“I look at the Adamson team right now, it’s just like a start-up company. We start from where we are right now and slowly but surely work our way up,” said Pumaren, 51.

“We’re looking at each year, trying to improve, not only as individual players [improving] their skills, but to improve our team standing.”

The last time Adamson was considered a legitimate championship contender was during the 2011 season when they were still led by now San Miguel Beermen head coach Leo Austria. They haven’t been to the Final Four since and have failed to win more than 4 games in a season.

“We will make sure that Adamson will get the respect that it deserves from other schools and from the basketball fans,” said Pumaren.

“Again, it’s a honor, it’s a great opportunity for us. I’m one individual, just like my coaches, we don’t run away from challenges. We make sure that each year, it’s going to be very competitive.” – Rappler.com