Adamson coach Pumaren used to Ateneo challenge

Adamson head coach Franz Pumaren. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

If there’s a man who truly knows Ateneo’s ire, it has to be Franz Pumaren.

Pumaren has been on the La Salle side of countless epic Ateneo-La Salle battles over the years after coaching the Green Archers from 1998 to 2009 and playing for La Salle during his collegiate career.

And even though he’s wearing the different color now as the head coach of Adamson, it’s always a thrill for him to face his alma mater’s arch nemesis.

READ: Ochea nails game-winner as Adamson stuns Ateneo

“I’m used to playing this type of game,” said Pumaren Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum after the Soaring Falcons grounded the Blue Eagles, 62-61.

“Of course there’s a thing about the rivalry, and I graduated from La Salle, and it was always fun playing against Ateneo.”

And as an added spice to his new chapter against Ateneo, Pumaren faced off against Tab Baldwin, the once head coach of Gilas Pilipinas.

READ: UAAP Season 79 Preview: Pumaren, Falcons out to turn program around

Pumaren also couldn’t help but bask in the excitement of coaching in the UAAP again after stints in the PBA.

“This is what I miss about college basketball, the excitement, it’s nice to play with the national team coach,” said Pumaren.