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MANILA, Philippines – Adamson University is opening a new chapter in their basketball program by hiring Head Coach Franz Pumaren to mentor the Soaring Falcons, but he’s not the only former familiar face in La Salle that’s making the jump to San Marcelino.
Joining Pumaren’s assistant coaching staff are former Green Archer superstars Ren-ren Ritualo and Don Allado, both of whom are beginning their coaching careers under the same coach they played for in college.
“He asked me to join the coaching staff. I never hesitated, kasi (because) I’ve been with Coach Franz ever since college. Been in battles, won championships. Even in the pros we were together,” said Ritualo, a 4-time UAAP champion whose no. 4 jersey is retired and hangs in the rafters of DLSU’s Green Archer Gym.
“Syempre, pag naniniwala ka sa sistema nang isang tao (Of course, when you believe in someone), you’ll never have second thoughts.”
Ritualo, a former first round pick in the 2002 PBA Draft, played in the pros until 2014 for 5 franchises.
The former UAAP and PBA Rookie of the Year has actually been active in teaching basketball since retiring, starting a clinic called “Keep the Dream Alive” that aids both young and old basketball hopefuls in improving their game.
Ritualo also spent a few weeks prior to the 2015 UAAP season working with Jeron Teng of La Salle to improve his jumper.
Given the reputation he established as one of the best dead-eye shooters ever in Philippine hoops, Ritualo will likely be tasked with improving the shooting technique of the Soaring Falcons.
“Kung saan ka gagaling (Wherever you’ll improve) as a player or as a coach, well, kanino pa ba, diba (who else will you go with, right)? With the best coaching knowledge, which is Coach Franz, so we’re in a good position right now with Coach Franz and Adamson,” said the 36-year-old.
Allado recently announced his retirement from a 16-year PBA career. In college, he won the UAAP MVP award in back-to-back years from 1998-1999, plus led DLSU to their first 2 of 4 consecutive titles under Pumaren.
“Coach Franz called me and I was very excited,” Allado said during the press conference officially introducing Adamson’s new coaching staff. “I’m here, I’m very thankful that I got a call from Coach Franz. It’s another opportunity for me to grow, this time as a coach. I just recently retired. I’m here to just help coach Franz.
“I know his system already, and so just helping him change the culture and what better way, than here in Adamson, so I’m very excited.”
Pumaren’s long-time assistant coach Tonichi Yturri is also joining his crew, as well as last season’s Adamson head coach, Mike Fermin, who helped lead the team to a 3-11 record.
“Rest assured, they were not taken in as assistant coaches because of their good looks,” Pumaren joked about his assistants on Friday, December 4. “It’s because of what they can bring to the table.
“I think years of experience playing under me, years of experience playing in the highest level of basketball will be very good for our players, our recruits. For sure, they will look up to these particular guys.” – Rappler.com
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