UE coach Pumaren on Roi Sumang: ‘He is not above the law’

Jane Bracher

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UE coach Pumaren on Roi Sumang: ‘He is not above the law’
University of the East pulled off a big win over National University without Roi Sumang, who was benched for missing practice

MANILA, Philippines – The University of the East Red Warriors finally played a strong fourth quarter on Sunday afternoon, August 31 on their way to defeating a top-tier team in the National University Bulldogs 

And they managed it without primary playmaker and go-to guy Roi Sumang. 

Sumang was benched by coach Derrick Pumaren as disciplinary action for missing the team’s 9 pm Saturday night practice. Pumaren had no qualms about sitting out his leading scorer in a game where their Final Four hopes hung in the balance. 

“He is a player, yes he is Roi Sumang but he is not above the law. He didn’t give anything, just a simple text of why he is not practicing,” Pumaren said.

He said he “didn’t hear anything” from Sumang other than a brief text message at exactly 11:16 pm Saturday night, right as the team’s late night practice was about to end. 

“He said he had a headache. By the time I got the text from him it’s like 11:16 in the evening of yesterday, so how the hell can he play? It’s not fair for the guys that practiced that’s going to give it their all.” 

What made matters worse about Sumang missing practice was the fact that two days earlier, he had been vocal about his commitment to giving his full effort and dedication to the team. 

“The team had a meeting with our team manager last Thursday. They gave their commitment that they will go all out, they will give all their best. It’s an all-out effort to stay alive,” Pumaren explained.  

“Roi was the one very vocal. He was taking the lead during the meeting. But I don’t know what happened.” 

According to Pumaren, Sumang did not sleep at the team’s quarters located inside the UE campus as he left at around 7 to 7:30 Friday evening and returned only at around 9:35 pm on Saturday. But instead of going straight to the team’s 9 pm practice, Sumang stayed at the quarters and slept. 

“I don’t think there is reason for him to play. They (the team) gave all their commitment and he’s a big part of this team, he cannot do that,” Pumaren remarked. “We’re still disciplining UE, they are still students. We just have to give that disciplinary action. 

“I think it’s a disrespect to the school, to management, to the team, to me as a coach by not saying anything,” he added, also noting that Sumang approached him before the game. 

Sumang, who is playing in his fourth year and has averages of 13 points and 5 assists so far this season, declined to comment on his benching when approached by media after the game.

In Sumang’s absence, Charles Mammie played a spectacular game with a season-high 22 points along with 10 rebounds. Teammates Gino Jumao-as, Chris Javier and Paul Varilla also stepped up to the plate, all with 8 points apiece in the win that gave UE a 6-5 record.

Pumaren said he will have to sit down with team managers again if disciplinary action will be extended to UE’s next game against FEU.

UE’s schedule won’t get any easier as they are set to take on defending champions La Salle right after on September 10. – Rappler.com

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