Pumaren gets boot as coach of Warriors

UE coach Derrick Pumaren. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Derrick Pumaren has been relieved as head coach of the University of the East.

Sources familiar with the situation bared that the amiable bench tactician had been sacked from his post on Tuesday, ending his four-year tenure at the helm for the Red Warriors.

Pumaren, who is affectionately called “Manong” by his peers and players, amassed a 21-win, 35-loss record for UE since taking over from Boycie Zamar in UAAP Season 77.

In his first year for the Red Warriors, he steered the Roi Sumang-led squad to a 9-5 slate although they fell to the National University Bulldogs in a playoff for fourth place.

The team failed to advance to the Final Four in the following seasons, but UE did get a share of the limelight this UAAP Season 80.

Despite posting a woeful 3-11 record for another seventh-place finish, the Red Warriors still made waves, largely thanks to the offensive outbursts of Alvin Pasaol, who had a breakthrough year highlighted by a 49-point explosion in UE’s loss against La Salle in the first round.

Pumaren also drew attention through the course of this year’s campaign as he seemingly discovered the fountain of youth with his trendy attires at the sideline.

Pumaren had earlier hinted the possibility of leaving the Red Warriors after their last game against UST.